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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
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https://archive.org/details/memoirofrobertboOOmint 


MEMOIR 


OF 

ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


PRINTED  FOR  PRIVATE  CIRCULATION. 


NEW  YORK. 

ANSON  D,  F.  RANDOLPH  & COMPANY. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1871,  by 
ANSON  D.  F.  RANDOLPH, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington, 


TO  THE 


CHILDREN  AND  GRANDCHILDREN 

OF 

JlOBERT  j30WNE  jlllNTURN, 


^hi$  Volume 

IS 


AFFECTIONATELY  DEDICATED. 


■ 


■ 


. 


PREFACE. 


At  the  urgent  request  of  many  friends,  it 
was  intended,  a long  time  since,  to  prepare 
this  work  for  publication. 

Illness,  and  many  other  circumstances, 
have  hitherto  prevented ; and  it  is  doubtful 
whether  the  task  would  ever  have  been  ac- 
complished but  for  the  assistance  of  a friend, 
Miss  Caroline  May,  whose  ready  pen  and 
genial  sympathy  have  materially  aided  in  its 
completion. 

The  work  was  finally  undertaken  wdth  great 
hesitation.  To  procure  a successful  portrait 
of  a face  we  love  is  most  difficult ; how  much 


6 


PREFACE. 


more  difficult  to  convey  in  writing  a just  idea 
of  a character  made  up  of  so  many  delicate 
traits  as  was  that  of  the  subject  of  this  me- 
moir. 

To  do  this,  as  far  as  possible,  we  have  given 
a short  sketch  of  Mr.  Minturn’s  life,  with  an- 
ecdotes, remembered  words  and  selections 
from  his  own  notes,  letters  and  journals. 

We  are  most  grateful  to  those  friends  who 
have  sent  us  the  sketches  drawn  from  their 
personal  recollections ; and  these  will  be 
found  among  the  most  interesting  portions 
of  this  work. 

We  have  not  asked  for  Mr.  Minturn’s  let- 
ters from  those  with  whom  he  corresponded 
on  almost  all  subjects  connected  with  the  wel- 
fare of  the  human  family,  as  the  addition  of 
these  letters  would  have  involved  the  neces- 
sity of  a much  larger  volume. 

We  hope  that  we  have  been  able,  from  the 


PREFACE.  7 

material  in  our  possession,  to  accomplish  our 
aims  in  the  preparation  of  this  work,  viz.,  to 
provide  a pleasant  memorial  of  one  who  will 
always  be  remembered  with  affection  by 
those  who  knew  him,  and  to  convey  some 
idea  of  his  character  to  those  who  were  too 
young  to  know  or  appreciate  him  in  his  life- 
time. 

That  his  memory  may  serve  as  an  example, 
is  the  earnest  prayer  of 


The  Compiler. 


- 

\i  iv  - 

, 

' 

’ 

. 

* 


A MEMORIAL 

OF 

ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  memory  of  such  men  as  Robert 
Bowne  M inturn,  who  was  distinguished 
for  his  large  philanthropy,  and  loved  for 
his  universal  goodness,  should  be  known 
and  cherished  by  a wider  circle  than  his 
immediate  family  and  friends.  And  for 
this  purpose,  facts  touching  his  useful  life 
have  been  collected. 

But  first  it  will  be  right  to  give  some  ac- 
count of  his  ancestry,  for  on  both  father’s 
and  mother’s  side  the  best  claim  to  respect- 
ability was  found,  in  that  virtue,  integrity, 
and  honour  which  constitute  nature’s  noble- 
men. 

(9) 


IO 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


Jonas  M inturn,  the  great-grandfather  of 
Robert,  owned  and  lived  on  a farm  in  Nar- 
ragansett  in  1732.  The  records  of  Long 
Island  shew  that  a Richard  Minthorne 
lived  in  South-Hampton  in  1672,  who  may 
probably  have  been  an  ancestor  of  the  M in- 
turn family,  as  they  were  known  to  have 
emigrated  from  England  to  Long  Island. 

Jonas  married  Penelope  Browne,  and 
had  two  sons  and  a daughter.  One  son 
died  early ; the  other,  William,  became  a 
wealthy  merchant  in  Newport,  where  he 
was  esteemed  for  his  benevolence  and  pub- 
lic spirit.  His  success  as  a merchant  was 
in  great  part  owing  to  a remarkable  decision 
and  promptitude  of  character,  as  an  instance 
of  which  we  give  the  following  anecdote. 
When  quite  a youth  his  desire  to  visit  for- 
eign countries  was  so  strong,  as  to  induce 
him  to  enter  a merchant  ship  as  second 
mate.  The  vessel  was  bound  for  England, 
during  the  war  of  1763  between  England 
and  France,  and  captured  by  the  French, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  II 

who  would  not  yield  it  without  a high  ran- 
som. The  captain  was  utterly  destitute  of 
means  to  regain  his  vessel,  but  young  M in- 
turn, seeing  the  dilemma,  stepped  forward 
and  assured  the  perplexed  captain  and  crew 
that,  if  they  would  put  him  on  shore  in 
England,  he  would  proceed  to  London  and 
represent  the  facts  to  a mercantile  house 
there  in  such  a light  as  to  win  success. 
They  consented,  and  in  his  sailors  dress  he 
went  on  foot  to  London,  placed  himself 
before  the  heads  of  the  house,  and  stated 
the  case  so  forcibly,  as  to  obtain  a favour- 
able answer  to  all  his  demands.  He  re- 
turned triumphantly  with  the  ransom  of  the 
ship,  which  was  set  free  and  sailed  back  in 
safety  to  Newport;  and  its  owners  were  so 
pleased  with  this  act  of  heroism  that  they 
made  him  commander.  This  step  led  on  to 
another,  and  he  soon  became  a ship-owner. 

In  1788,  he,  (in  conjunction  with  other 
gentlemen  of  Rhode  Island,)  founded  the 
city  of  Hudson ; and,  viewing  its  situation  as 


12 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


particularly  favourable  for  both  agriculture 
and  navigation,  did  all  in  his  power  to  ad- 
vance its  shipping  interests.  In  1791,  he 
removed  to  New  York,  and  died  eight 
years  afterwards,  having  displayed  in  every 
relation  of  life,  a character  marked  by  jus- 
tice, firmness,  and  charity.  He  left  a widow 
and  ten  children.  His  widow,  whose  maiden 
name  was  Penelope  Greene,  (a  cousin  of 
General  Nathaniel  Greene  of  revolutionary 
memory,)  died  in  1821. 

She  must  have  possessed  some  determi- 
nation and  force  of  character,  as  we  find 
that  during  the  war,  she  travelled  all  the 
way  from  Narragansett  to  Hudson  on  horse- 
back, carrying  her  wardrobe  upon  her  per- 
son, that  it  might  not  be  taken  from  her. 
The  father  of  this  Penelope  Greene  left  an 
inheritance  of  virtue  to  his  descendants. 
Obituary  notices  are  not  always  safe  guides 
to  truth,  but  we  must  not  pass  over  the 
words  of  an  estimable  Christian  lady,  who, 
at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-five,  wrote 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


13 


beneath  the  record*  of  her  father  in  the  fam- 
ily Bible  the  following  lines, — “ I wish  to 
leave  this  true  testimony  to  my  father,  for 
his  grand-children  and  great-grand-children 
to  the  third  and  fourth  generation,  that  they 
may  strive  to  follow  his  bright  example — 
nor  these  written  by  his  grand-daughter, 
Mary  Min  turn  Post,  in  connection  with  the 
above,  “ Earnestly,  my  dear  children,  do  I 
respond  to  this  desire,  and  seeing  you  are 
blessed  with  so  good  an  inheritance,  may 
we  not  trust  that  it  will  descend  unsullied 
to  unborn  generations” 

William  Minturn,  the  father  of  Robert 
the  subject  of  our  memoir,  was  born  at 
Newport,  1 776;  married  Sarah,  daughter 
of  Robert  Bowne,  of  New  York,  and  died 
at  Islip,  Suffolk  County,  Long  Island,  in 
1818.  Besides  these  dates,  we  find  little  of 
importance  concerning  him,  except  that  he 
was  a man  of  unusual  refinement  and  ex- 
treme sensibility. 

His  uncle,  Thomas  Greene,  writes  of  him 


14 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


from  Newport,  January  14,  1791:  “We 
were  greatly  rejoiced  in  seeing  your  son 
William,  attended  by  your  faithful  servant 
Nero ; he  has  grown  tall,  but  has  the 
same  sedate  countenance  he  always  had.” 
This  faithful  Nero  was  always  remembered 
in  the  letters  that  William  M inturn  wrote, 
during  an  absence  of  two  or  three  years  in 
China,  to  his  family  at  home.  When  he 
returned,  he  brought  with  him  many  articles 
of  beauty  and  value,  then  more  rare  than  at 
the  present  time.  His  life  was  cut  short 
when  scarcely  past  its  prime,  and  his  son 
left  to  the  care  of  a widowed  mother.  But 
the  promises  of  God  to  be  a father  to  the 
fatherless,  were  especially  fulfilled  in  this 
case.  The  ancestors  of  his  wife  deserve 
notice.  The  first  of  whom  we  hear,  John 
Bowne,  was  a native  of  Matlock,  in  Eng- 
land, and  there,  in  the  records  of  the  parish  • 
church,  is  registered  his  baptism,  on  the  29th 
of  March,  1627.  He  emigrated  to  America 
and  settled  in  Flushing,  Long  Island,  in 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  15 

1656,  where  he  erected  a dwelling  about 
six  years  afterward.  Shaded  by  grand  old 
trees,  whose  heavy,  far-spreading  boughs 
seem  to  love  the  abode  they  shelter — this 
ancient  English  - looking  homestead  may 
yet  be  seen,  still  complete  and  pleasant, 
containing  many  relics  of  the  family,  and 
documents  relating  to  the  Society  of 
Friends,  of  which  John  Bowne  became  a 
member.  He  was  a man  of  firm  principle 
and  moral  courage.  Being  arrested  for  his 
religious  opinions  by  the  agents  of  the 
Government  of  the  Netherlands,  and  sent 
to  Holland,  he  boldly  testified  to  his  con- 
scientious belief  by  submitting  to  detention 
there,  rather  than  yield  what  he  thought 
right  and  true.  He  was  sent  back,  however, 
with  a reproof  to  those  who  had  arrested 
him.  His  son  and  namesake  was  a man  of 
extreme  delicacy  and  sensitiveness  of  mind 
and  body.  His  death  was  caused  by  having 
accidentally  witnessed  the  cruel  corporal 
punishment  of  a deserter  during  the  revolu- 


1 6 A MEMORIAL  OF 

tionary  war  in  November,  1757.  This  bar- 
barism so  wrought  upon  his  feelings  as  to 
bring  on  a convulsion  fit,  from  which  he 
died  the  same  day. 

Robert,  the  grandson  of  John  Bowne, 
was  widely  known  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  being  foremost  in  all  the  charitable 
efforts  of  the  day.  De  Witt  Clinton,  in  a 
speech  before  some  political  committee,  in 
April,  1824,  refers  in  these  words  to  Robert 
Bowne  as  Canal  Commissioner  : 

“ Let  me  on  this  occasion  discharge  a 
debt  of  gratitude  and  of  justice  to  the  late 
Robert  Bowne.  He  is  now  elevated  above 
all  human  panegyric,  and  reposes,  I humbly 
and  fervently  believe,  in  the  bosom  of  his 
God.  He  had  at  an  early  period  devoted 
his  attention  to  this  subject,  and  was  mas- 
ter of  all  its  important  bearings.  To  his 
wise  counsels,  intelligent  views,  and  patri- 
otic exertions,  we  were  under  incalculable 
obligations.  I never  left  the  society  of  this 
venerable  man  without  feeling  the  most 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


I 7 


powerful  inducements  for  the  most  ani- 
mated efforts.”  The  Commercial  Adver- 
tiser of  New  York,  August  4,  1818,  gives 
this  notice  : “ Died  on  Sunday  evening,  in 
the  seventy-fourth  year  of  his  age,  Robert 
Bowne,  a member  of  the  Society  of  Friends. 
He  was  one  of  our  oldest  and  most  respect- 
able citizens,  a man  of  great  benevolence, 
for  he  considered  that  the  precepts  of  Chris- 
tianity, properly  understood,  must  seek  the 
good  of  our  fellow-men,  and  wherever  there 
was  a real  sufferer,  of  whatever  colour  or 
creed,  who  applied  to  him  for  relief,  his  ac- 
tive mind,  his  open  purse,  his  expanded 
heart,  his  willing  feet,  prompted  him  ac- 
tively and  perseveringly  to  administer  to 
their  respective  wants ; his  example  and 
influence  during  a great  part  of  his  life 
served  to  give  a tone  to  our  fellow-citizens 
in  philanthropic  exertions.  He  was  remark- 
able for  assisting  young  men,  or  those  who 
had  been  unsuccessful  in  business,  and  many 
who  are  now  in  affluence  acknowledge  with 


2 


1 8 A MEMORIAL  OF 

gratitude  how  much  they  are  indebted  to 
their  deceased  friend  for  an  early  and  well- 
timed  assistance.  He  was  one  of  the  first 
directors  of  the  Bank  of  New  York,  and  a 
member  of  that  board  twenty-five  years. 
For  forty-five  years  he  was  a governor  of 
the  New  York  Hospital,  and  about  twen- 
ty-four years  vice-president  of  that  valuable 
society.” 

The  wife  of  Robert  Bowne  was  Eliza- 
beth Hartshorne,  whose  family  for  six  gen- 
erations back  possessed  a moral  and  social 
worth  unbroken  and  without  a flaw.  It  is 
remarkable,  for  in  this  country  such  facts 
are  not  frequent,  that  her  family  occupied, 
and  still  occupy,  the  very  same  house  and 
grounds  in  New  Jersey  ceded  to  their  an- 
cestors at  the  same  time  with  William 
Penn.  The  first  Richard  Hartshorne  was 
of  the  same  religious  persuasion  as  Penn. 
He  was  born  in  Hathcairn,  in  the  county 
of  Leicester,  England,  on  the  24th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1643,  and  came  to  America  in  1680, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


19 


He  was  one  of  twenty -four  proprietors 
of  East  Jersey,  and  named  the  place  he 
selected  for  his  abode  at  the  Highlands  of 
N avesink,  Portland,  which  name  it  still  re- 
tains. The  selection  of  this  site  showed 
the  fine  taste  of  the  settler.  There  can 
scarcely  be  more  magnificent  views  than 
those  it  commands ; whether  the  eye  wan- 
ders along  the  lofty  line  of  the  Highlands 
with  their  dark  shadowy  clefts,  and  rich 
green  sloping  meadows  ; or  passes  over  to 
the  opposite  shore  melting  into  blue  dis- 
tance ; or,  preferring  sublimity  to  beauty, 
reaches  out  to  the  ocean  beyond,  and  dwells 
with  mysterious  awe  on  the  ever-varying 
lights  and  shadows,  the  alternate  peace  and 
tumult,  that  the  wind  and  the  weather  make 
upon  the  sea. 

As  this  memorial  is  written  with  a desire 
that  it  should  be  of  use  to  young  people,  it 
may  not  be  amiss  to  quote  very  largely 
from  the  last  advice  of  the  good  Quaker, 
Richard  Hartshorne,  left  as  a legacy  to  his 


20 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


family  : “ My  children,  what  I now  write  to 
you  is  to  speak  when  I cannot,  therefore  I 
charge  you  all  to  mind  what  I say.  I ex- 
hort you  all  to  serve  God  with  an  upright 
heart,  for  if  your  heart  is  not  upright  to- 
ward God  all  your  service  and  worship  are 
vain.  I desire  you  all  in  a humble  frame 
of  spirit,  to  mind  and  hearken  to  the  Spirit 
of  God  in  every  one  of  your  consciences, 
and  as  you  yield  obedience  to  that  and 
there  abide,  your  heart  will  be  upright  in 
the  sight  of  God,  and  so  your  worship  will 
be  acceptable.  Pray  that  God  will  give  you 
a true  faith  in  Him,  and  be  sure  you  avoid 
vain  j anglings  and  controversies  about  re- 
ligion. Be  sober  in  all  communities,  and 
if  they  suit  you  not,  keep  away,  and  make 
no  scoff  nor  flout  at  any,  especially  in  their 
religious  worship  ; nor  go  because  it  only 
pleases  this  or  the  other  man,  but  because 
it  is  well-pleasing  to  God.  Be  sure,  all  of 
you,  to  be  dutiful  to  your  mother,  and  show 
her  that  obedience  due  to  a good  mother 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  2\ 

for  such  she  has  been  to  you  ; and  see  that 
you  are  all  loving  and  kind  one  to  another 
as  brothers  and  sisters  ought  to  be.  I 
charge  all  of  you  not  to  be  lofty,  but  en- 
deavour to  serve  each  other  according  to 
your  ability.  And  be  not  hot,  but  slow  in 
taking  offence,  and  slower  in  giving ; and 
be  courteous  to  all,  shutting  not  your  door 
against  a stranger,  but  showing  hospitality 
by  setting  him  on  his  way.  And,  my  sons, 
forasmuch  as  there  is  a necessity  for  gov- 
ernment while  we  are  upon  earth,  for  the 
well  ordering  affairs  in  the  world,  see  that 
you  endeavour  as  far  as  you  can  to  choose 
good  men,  and  be  not  wanting  to  support 
them  according  to  your  ability;  and  guard 
against  ambition  of  rule  or  office. 

“ And  now,  my  children,  I commit  you 
all  to  God  Almighty,  who  is  a Father  to 
the  fatherless  who  truly  fear  Him,  and  take 
my  leave.  Farewell ! farewell !” 


CHAPTER  II. 


Robert  M inturn  was  born  in  Pcail 
Street,  on  the  16th  of  November,  1805. 

His  childhood  was  marked  by  no  very 
striking  qualities.  His  strong  affection  for 
his  mother,  which  was  the  most  prominent, 
endeared  to  his  memory  every  little  incident 
connected  with  her.  He  used  to  tell  of  his 
great  distress  on  one  occasion,  when  he, 
being  then  only  twelve,  was  permitted  to 
drive  her  from  New  York  to  Islip, — the 
carriage  was  overturned,  and  his  mother 
was  taken  up  insensible. 

He  felt  deeply  the  restricted  circum- 
stances of  his  mother  after  she  became  a 
widow ; and  this,  no  doubt,  nerved  his  arm 

(22) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


23 


for  the  battle  of  life  upon  which  he  so  early 
entered.  His  grandfather  M inturn  had 
died  rich,  leaving  a large  family  amply  pro- 
vided for ; and  his  sons  were  among  the 
most  extensive  shipping  merchants  of  their 
time.  The  war  of  1812,  however,  so  embar- 
rassed commerce,  and  the  immense  losses 
by  privateering  so  prostrated  business,  that 
they  suffered  in  common  with  many  others. 
The  consequence  was,  that  when  Mr.  Wil- 
liam M inturn  died,  it  became  necessary  that 
his  son  Robert  should  give  up  his  books 
and  study  to  acquire  habits  of  business. 
We  have  this  testimony  to  his  good  con- 
duct at  school.  His  father  writing  from 
China  to  his  wife,  June  nth,  1814,  says — 
“ Our  dear  Robert’s  letter  came  in  for  its 
full  share  of  the  satisfaction  they  all  af- 
forded. I think  he  has  greatly  improved 
in  writing,  and  am  glad  to  hear  he  is  as 
good  a boy  as  any  in  school.  This  I never 
doubted  for  a moment,  his  amiable  disposi- 
tion is  a sure  pledge  of  that.” 


24 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


It  was  a sore  trial  to  the  dutiful  boy  to 
be  obliged  to  leave  school ; as  he  had  just 
begun  studying  the  classics,  and  was  very 
fond  of  his  books.  He  had  a strong  desire 
to  devote  himself  to  medicine ; and,  as  his 
future  success  in  life  was  mainly  the  result 
of  his  own  industry  and  energy,  he  would 
doubtless  have  become  as  eminent  in  that 
profession,  as  he  did  in  mercantile  pursuits. 
He  gave  great  satisfaction  as  a clerk  to  his 
first  and  only  employer,  Mr.  Sewall,  whose 
son  is  now  a partner  in  the  house  of  Grin- 
nell,  M inturn  & Co.  While  in  this  office, 
his  conscientious  devotion  to  duty  was  re- 
markable ; and  when  we  hear  from  his 
mother’s  account  that  he  was  in  the  habit 
of  carrying  his  pocket  Testament  to  his 
place  of  business,  we  feel  that  he  early 
recognized  a divine  treasury  of  virtue  and 
strength.  His  mother  advised  him  fre- 
quently to  read  the  8th  chapter  of  Deuter- 
onomy. This  early  advice  he  continued  to 
follow  long  after  it  was  given,  feeling  as  if 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  25 

the  lessons  it  contained  were  peculiarly 
addressed  to  himself. 

He  would  often  speak  of  the  early  and 
late  hours  he  devoted  to  work.  And  this 
close  attention  to  business  was  not  unre- 
warded, for  before  he  was  twenty-one  he 
owned  a vessel.  He  was  then  in  the  count- 
ing-house of  Mr.  Charles  Greene,  who  felt 
and  practically  testified  the  highest  regard 
* for  his  young  clerk  by  making  him  a part- 
ner in  his  business.  It  would  be  well  if 
young  men,  entering  business,  would  always 
remember  that  the  eyes  of  their  seniors  are 
upon  them,  not  only  those  in  whose  imme- 
diate employ  they  may  be,  but  of  many 
others  also. 

So  trustworthy,  so  scrupulously  correct, 
was  young  M inturn  deemed,  that  when  Mr. 
Greene  sailed  for  Europe  in  1825,  he  placed 
the  entire  management  of  the  house  in  his  ‘ 
hands.  This  honour,  however,  was  not  with- 
out its  accompanying  burden  of  care.  It 
was  not  more  than  a year  after  he  was  thus 


26 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


advanced,  that  the  great  financial  crisis  oc- 
curred which  brought  distress  and  despair 
to  the  commercial  world. 

The  young  merchant,  bearing  alone  the 
immense  responsibilities  of  the  house,  was 
almost  crushed  beneath  the  load.  He  could 
never  refer  to  the  trials  of  this  period  with- 
out seeming  to  feel  over  again  the  exquisite 
mental  anguish  he  endured,  when  his  faith 
seemed  to  fail  him.  To  show  how  strongly 
he  was  overborne  by  the  perplexities  that 
haunted  him  night  and  day,  he  has  confessed 
that  when  walking  along  the  wharves  by 
the  river-side  to  cool  his  brow  and  think 
over  his  work,  he  was  sometimes  tempted 
to  throw  himself  into  the  dark  waters.  But 
the  strength  of  his  natural  courage,  aided 
by  divine  grace,  enabled  him  to  use  the 
words  of  his  divine  Master  when  he  was 
sorely  tried,  and  the  terrible  temptation  was 
vanquished. 

Robert  M inturn  owed  much  of  his  earlr 
training  to  his  mother,  and  inherited  from 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


27 


her  his  warm  heart  and  unselfish  disposition. 
These  traits,  as  well  as  a great  degree  of 
force  and  decision,  were  transmitted  to  her 
by  her  admirable  father,  Robert  Bowne. 
She  never  wearied  in  holding  him  up  as  a 
pattern  to  her  son,  who  fairly  copied  all  that 
she  could  most  delight  in.  It  is  a most  in- 
teresting study  this  transmission  of  moral 
qualities  from  generation  to  generation,  and 
it  should  be  an  inducement  to  all  young 
people  to  form  such  habits  and  cultivate 
such  qualities  as  may  be  a desirable  inherit- 
ance for  those  that  shall  follow  them. 

Kindness  to  the  sick  and  suffering  was 
ever  remarkable  both  in  mother  and  son. 
When  that  terrible  scourge,  yellow -fever, 
visited  New  York,  and  a certain  portion 
of  the  city  (then  comparatively  small)  was 
boarded  in,  her  father’s  family  were  removed 
entirely  out  of  the  city  to  a residence  on 
Manhattan  Island.  She,  however,  a young 
girl  of  sixteen,  preferred  to  remain  with  her 
father  in  their  usual  abode,  in  order  to  nurse 


28 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


the  sick.  On  one  occasion  she  crossed  the 
street  in  the  night,  with  a lantern  in  her 
hand,  that  she  might  minister  to  a friend 
who  was  dying ; and  after  closing  the  eyes 
of  one  sufferer,  she  passed  on  to  do  what 
she  could  for  another.  This  did  not  come 
from  her  own  lips  ; but  she  used  to  tell 
with  maternal  satisfaction,  that  her  son  at 
the  age  of  eighteen,  helped  her  to  nurse  a 
coloured  servant,  who  was  ill  of  that  dread- 
ful disease,  small-pox.  A severe  attack  of 
varioloid  was  the  result  of  his  self-forgetting 
exposure. 

Thus  united  in  congeniality  of  character, 
and  in  an  affection  of  no  ordinary  nature, 
they  were  one  in  heart,  until  that  devoted 
mother  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty- 
two.  It  was  pleasant  to  see  them  together, 
and  to  hear  the  aged  woman  counsel  and 
direct  her  son,  when  far  past  the  meri- 
dian of  life,  as  she  did  when  he  was  a 
boy. 

On  the  day  he  attained  his  forty-sixth 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


29 


year,  she  copied  and  sent  him  the  follow- 
ing verse  from  one  of  Burns’  rhym  ng 
epistles : 

“ In  ploughman’s  phrase,  God  send  thee  speed 
Still  daily  to  grow  wiser. 

And  may’st  thou  better  take  the  heed 
Than  e’er  did  thy  adviser.” 


CHAPTER  III. 


Although,  as  we  have  stated,  Robert 
M inturn  was  forced  to  leave  school  when 
only  fourteen,  he  did  not  on  that  account 
neglect  the  self-education  on  which  de- 
pends,more  than  on  any  tutor  or  college,  the 
growth  of  the  mental  faculties,  and  the  in- 
crease of  knowledge  by  which  they  grow. 
His  evenings  were  always  employed  in 
study,  and  diligent  reading  was  pursued 
whenever  it  was  possible,  a habit  that  con- 
tinued through  life.  He  was  fond  of  the 
study  of  languages,  and  made  himself  a pro- 
ficient in  French.  His  literary  taste  was 
greatly  encouraged  and  influenced  by  his 
elder  sister,  Mary  M inturn,  a woman  of  un- 
usual attainments,  and  of  most  tender  devo- 

(3°) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


31 


tion  towards  her  brother,  whose  general  cul- 
tivation, and,  consequently,  his  general  use- 
fulness, were  in  great  part  the  fruits  of  this 
devotion. 

The  habits  of  the  Society  of  Friends  do 
not  usually  encourage  those  tastes  and  ac- 
complishments which  are  known  to  have  so 
happy  an  influence  in  beautifying  existence, 
and  solacing  the  weary  brain  and  anxious 
heart.  In  after-life,  Mr.  Minturn  spoke  of 
this  defect  in  his  own  education  with  regret, 
and  said  he  thought  it  better  to  allow  chil- 
dren and  youth  a certain  freedom  in  the 
innocent  pleasures  which  belong  to  that 
period  of  life. 

Would  it  not  be  a happy  thing  if  those 
young  men  who  now  give  night  and  day  to 
the  pursuit  of  fortune,  were  to  pause  in  their 
exciting  career,  and  determine  to  devote 
certain  hours  to  the  improvement  of  their 
health  by  exercise,  and  to  such  mental  oc- 
cupations as  shall  entirely  shut  out  the  busi- 
ness of  life  for  the  time.  A wise  author  says, 


32 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


“We  should  not  fancy  we  are  serving  the 
cause  of  godliness  when  we  are  discouraging 
recreation.  Let  us  be  hearty  in  our  pleas- 
ures, as  in  our  work,  and  not  think  that  the 
gracious  Being  who  has  made  us  so  open- 
hearted  to  delight,  looks  with  dissatisfaction 
at  our  enjoyment,  as  a hard  task-master 
might,  who,  in  the  glee  of  his  slaves,  could 
see  only  a hindrance  to  their  profitable 
working.  Who  are  the  men  of  history  to 
be  admired  most  ? Those  whom  most 
things  became,  who  could  be  weighty  in 
debate,  of  much  device  in  council,  consider- 
ation in  a sick-room,  genial  at  a feast,  joy- 
ous at  a festival,  capable  of  discourse  with 
many  minds,  large-souled,  not  to  be  shrivel- 
led up  into  any  one  form,  fashion,  or  tem- 
perament.” 

Robert  Mint  urn’s  second  sister,  Sarah, 
married  Mr.  Henry  Grinnell,  who  was  for 
a long  time  partner  of  the  house  of  Grin- 
nell and  Minturn.  Mr.  Grinnell’s  eldest 
brother  had  been  one  of  the  firm  of  Fish 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  33 

and  Grinnell,  and  after  realizing  an  inde- 
pendence, had  withdrawn  to  private  life 
leaving  his  business  to  his  brothers,  Henry 
and  Moses  Grinnell.  Robert  M inturn  be- 
came one  of  the  firm  in  1830;  and  for 
thirty-five  years  sustained  its  wide  reputa- 
tion, by  his  industry  and  energy.  When 
his  father  died,  his  mother  returned,  with 
her  little  family,  to  the  house  of  her  child- 
hood. But  Robert,  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
one,  established  a separate  home  for  himself 
and  his  sister  Mary,  who  was  some  years 
older,  and  they  lived  together  in  much 
happiness  eight  years.  Their  attachment, 
as  we  have  said,  was  peculiarly  strong : a 
good  son  always  makes  a good  brother. 
She  would  meet  him  at  the  door  on  his 
return  from  business,  when  he  usually  had 
some  little  offering  of  book  or  flower  to 
present  to  her  who  was  so  ready  with  her 
affectionate  welcome. 

After  his  establishment  as  a man  of  bus- 
iness, and  a house-keeper  with  his  sister,  he 
3 


34 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


still  persevered  in  going  to  the  Friends 
meeting  ; but  his  extreme  mental  activity 
was  such,  that  he  could  not  find,  in  their 
silent  mode  of  worship,  the  helps  he  needed 
to  make  his  devotion  a whole  and  con- 
scious act  ; although  his  mother  often  told 
him,  m after  life,  in  her  own  simple  Quaker 
style  : “ Robert,  it  would  do  thee  good  to 
go  and  sit  quietly  for  an  hour  in  meeting.” 
He  never  lost  his  attachment  or  respect 
to  that  Society,  ol  which  his  maternal 
ancestors  were  for  so  many  years  faithful 
and  consistent  members.  There  were  times, 
also,  when,  long  after  he  had  separated 
himself  from  them,  he  contrasted  the  influ- 
ence of  their  religion,  so  all-pervading  and 
sincere,  with  that  of  those  not  separated 
from  the  world  by  dress  and  forms.  On 
one  occasion,  especially,  the  death  of  a 
cousin,  whose  mother  was  a preacher,  he 
returned  from  the  funeral  very  strongly 
impressed  with  the  triumphant  faith  of  the 
bereaved  mother.  The  funeral  was  a silent 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


35 


meeting ; but,  when  all  was  quiet  and 
hushed  in  the  house  of  mourning,  the 
mother  rose  up  and  begun  a hymn  of 
thanksgiving,  so  rich  and  so  full,  using  the 
glorious  words  of  the  Psalmist,  as  if  she 
saw  heaven  opened,  and  her  child  entered 
into  the  realms  of  bliss.  But  Robert  M in- 
turn’s temperament  was  such,  that  he  could 
not  realize  the  advantage  he  wished  from 
Quaker  meetings.  His  thoughts  were  con- 
tinually busy  with  his  week-day  pursuits,  so 
that  he  was  even  tempted  to  go  down  to 
his  place  of  business  on  Sunday.  At  such 
times  he  passed  through  Beekman  Street. 
The  doors  of  St.  George’s,  an  Episcopal 
church,  then  under  the  care  of  the  excel- 
lent Dr.  Milnor,  stood  always  open,  as  if  to 
invite  the  wanderer  in. 

On  one  occasion  conscience,  which  had 
before  convinced  him  that  he  was  not  in 
the  path  of  duty,  spoke  too  strongly  to  be 
silenced,  and  he  entered  the  church,  and 
remained  through  Divine  Service.  The 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


36 

result  was,  that  the  very  next  day  he  took 
a pew  for  himself  and  sister ; and  became 
soon  after  an  active  member  of  the  church, 
foremost  with  his  aid  in  all  its  charities, 
and  an  attached  and  faithful  friend  of  Dr. 
Milnor.  He  also  formed  friendships  which 
lasted  through  life,  with  Mr.  Stewart 
Brown  and  Mr.  Frederick  Winston,  who 
were  prominent  members  of  that  church. 
It  was  not,  however,  until  after  his  mar- 
riage that  he  was  led  to  consider  the  sacra- 
ments of  the  church  as  means  of  grace. 
His  determination  to  be  baptized  was  the 
result  of  a correspondence  with  his  friend, 
Bishop  Ives.  The  baptism  took  place 
when  his  second  son,  John,  was  christened, 
father  and  child  at  the  same  time  being 
made  members  of  Christ’s  body,  the  church. 
A touching  and  blessed  sight. 

Mr.  M inturn’s  success  in  business  at  so 
early  an  age,  gave  him  the  opportunity  of 
aiding  his  young  relatives,  who,  like  him- 
self, had  been  obliged,  after  the  wreck  of 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


37 


their  paternal  fortunes,  to  take  the  oar  in 
hand.  It  would  give  them  pleasure  to  tes-  * 
tify  to  his  disinterested  exertions  in  their 
behalf.  The  case  of  one  female  relative, 
particularly,  whose  fortune  had  suffered  by 
being  involved  in  the  same  catastrophe 
with  that  of  his  father  and  uncles,  should 
not  be  overlooked,  as  he  advanced  a suffi- 
cient sum  of  money  to  buy  a farm,  which 
enabled  a family  of  children  to  be  brought 
up,  educated  and  prepared  to  fill  the  most 
respectable  positions  in  society.  On  the 
death  of  the  father  of  this  family,  Mr. 

M inturn  was  sent  for  from  a scene  of 
gaiety  at  the  house  of  another  relation  — a 
striking  contrast ! He  found  the  aged 
sufferer  sitting  up  in  bed,  surrounded  by 
his  weeping  wife  and  children  ; and  when 
he  had  given  each  a separate  farewell,  he 
turned  to  Mr.  M inturn  with  a special  part- 
ing blessing  before  his  .eyes  closed  in  death. 

To  an  aunt  who  had  remained  unmarried 
he  was  as  a son,  nursing  her  little  fortune 


38 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


until  she  became  quite  independent.  She 
used  to  say,  “ I never  expressed  a wish  in 
his  presence,  even  when  he  was  a child, 
that  he  did  not  try  to  gratify ; and  never 
said  I had  anything  to  do,  that  he  did  not 
ask,  ‘Cannot  I do  it?’”  It  is  not  easy  to 
reckon  the  good  influence  such  a character 
exerted  in  his  extended  family  circle.  When 
they  were  gathered,  as  was  often  the  case, 
under  his  own  roof,  to  the  number  of  sixty 
or  seventy,  none  further  off  in  relationship 
than  the  husbands  and  wives  of  cousins, 
his  happy,  beaming  face  filled  every  heart 
with  pleasure,  and  every  one  felt  that  his 
presence  was  like  sunshine.  An  anecdote 
is  told  of  a visit  paid  to  him  by  Mr. 
Thomas  Ward,  then  agent  in  America  of 
the  house  of  Baring  Brothers.  A large 
share  of  the  business  correspondence  of 
Grinnell,  Minturn  & Co.  fell  into  the  hands 
of  the  younger  member  of  the  firm  ; and 
when  Mr.  Ward  came  to  New  York,  en- 
tered their  counting-house,  and  asked  for 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


39 


Mr.  Minturn,  a young  man  at  his  desk  re- 
plied— “I  am  he.”  “Not  you — not  you,” 
said  Mr.  Ward  ; “ but  the  old  man  ;”  and  it 
was  with  difficulty  that  he  could  be  persuad- 
ed that  the  bright  young  face  before  him 
belonged  to  the  sage  writer  of  so  many 
business  letters  betokening  such  rare  prac- 
ticalness and  wide  experience. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Mr.  M inturn  had  often  considered  the 
subject  of  matrimony  in  the  grave  and 
earnest  manner  a nature  like  his  would  con- 
template every  important  step  in  life.  He 
was  travelling,  in  the  year  1834,  with  his 
sister  and  cousin,  intending  to  take  them 
to  the  White  Mountains.  They  had  gone 
as  far  as  Saratoga,  at  that  time  the  chief 
watering  place-  of  the  North,  and  the 
favourite  resort  of  Southerners,  who  an- 
nually came  there  to  escape  from  the  heat 
and  malaria  of  their  own  portion  of  the 
country.  They  remained  a fortnight  at  the 
Springs  ; but  though  Mr.  M inturn  saw 
many  attractive  young  ladies,  he  saw  none 
among  the  crowd  of  belles  with  whom  he 

(4°) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


41 


hoped  to  unite  his  fate.  The  morning  they 
left,  they  met  in  the  cars  a gentleman  and 
his  daughter,  and  one  hour  together  decided 
their  destinies. 

As  soon  as  possible,  he  made  enquiries 
as  to  the  name  and  whereabouts  of  the 
young  lady,  fully  resolved  to  win  her  if 
she  were  free.  This  attachment,  begun  with 
so  romantic  a suddenness,  was  not  consum- 
mated in  marriage  without  mature  delibera- 
tion, and  the  conviction  that  the  stranger 
who  had  at  first  sight  caught  his  fancy, 
would  aid  him  in  his  work  in  life.  On  the 
2nd  of  June,  1835,  he  was  united  to  this 
young  lady,  Miss  Anna  Mary  Wendell, 
daughter  of  John  Lansing  Wendell,  a law- 
yer of  eminence  in  Albany,  whose  family 
had  been  among  the  earliest  settlers  in  our 
country  from  Holland.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Pot- 
ter, of  St.  Peter’s  Church,  performed  the 
ceremony.  A marriage  in  church  was  at 
that  time  quite  a novelty  in  Albany,  and 
this  was  a large  and  gay  wedding  party 


42 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


Educated  in  schools  as  different  as  possible, 
with  no  early  associations,  there  was  still  an 
unusual  bond  of  sympathy  between  the 
bride  and  her  husband  ; and  while  in  many 
respects  their  characters  were  contrasts,  yet 
their  tastes  and  views  of  life  and  of  duty 
were  the  same.  And  now  that  we  have 
brought  him  thus  far  in  his  course  through 
life,  it  is  but  right  to  pause  and  ask  what 
was  the  result  of  this  unwearied  assiduity 
in  business,  this  forgetfulness  of  self,  this 
consideration  for  others,  this  devotion  to 
duty.  The  answer  is  this : At  the  age  of 
thirty,  he  held  a high  position  in  the  opinion 
of  men  old  enough  to  be  his  father,  and  pos- 
sessed an  influence  second  to  none  in  his 
own  city ; and  when  he  took  his  place  as  a 
married  man  at  the  head  of  a family,  it  was 
with  the  recognition  by  all  who  knew  him 
that  none  were  better  qualified  to  guide  and 
benefit  others  than  he.  His  house  became 
the  resort  of  some  of  our  most  distinguished 
men,  who  ever  found  a warm  appreciation 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


43 


as  well  as  a hearty  welcome  at  his  hospitable 
board.  He  had  a natural  love  of  art,  and 
soon  began  to  collect  such  objects  around 
him  as  proved  the  possession  of  that  taste 
which  helped  to  soften  the  vigourous  efforts 
of  business  life.  Pie  was  a sincere  lover  of 
nature  ; and  in  any  vacation  that  he  allowed 
himself,  he  delighted  to  get  as  far  away  as  he 
could  from  the  busy  haunts  of  men,  and  in 
the  wild  woods  or  along  the  banks  of  rush- 
ing streams,  to  bathe  his  spirit  in  the  peace 
that  dwells  apart  from  the  noisy  world. 

Mr.  M inturn  passed  the  first  year  of  his 
married  life  in  Chambers  Street,  where  his 
eldest' son,  Robert  Bowne,  was  born.  This 
event  opened  a new  fount  of  love  and  ten- 
derness in  his  heart,  and  he  then  pledged 
himself  to  a still  greater  devotion  to  God 
and  to  duty.  Rarely  was  pledge  better  ful- 
filled. He  afterwards  removed  to  Hudson 
Square,  and  it  was  not  long  before  his  repu- 
tation as  a benevolent  man  became  so  widely 
known  among  the  poor  of  the  neighbour- 


44 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


hood  and  of  the  city,  that  his  doors  were 
fairly  thronged  by  those  who  came  for  re- 
lief. The  basement  of  his  house  resembled 
the  outer  courts  of  monasteries  in  olden 
times,  when  the  multitude  came  to  be  fed 
and  clothed.  This  was  a dangerous  species 
of  charity  in  a country  like  ours,  where 
none  but  the  sick,  the  aged,  or  the  orphan, 
need  that  sort  of  assistance. 

About  the  time  of  the  birth  of  his  second 
child,  Susan  Carter,  he  suggested  that  a 
society  similar  to  one  that  existed  in  Al- 
bany, for  the  systematic  care  of  the  poor, 
apart  from  any  legal  provision,  should  be  set 
on  foot  in  New  York.  This  wide-spread 
and  most  effective  charity,  called  “ The  As- 
sociation for  the  Improvement  of  the  Con- 
dition of  the  Poor,”  he  mainly  contributed 
to  establish,  and  for  some  years  was  one  of 
the  visitors  to  the  poor.  He  learned  in 
these  visits,  to  know  many  valuable  men 
who,  like  himself,  went  about  doing  good. 
The  name  of  one  of  these,  who  for  many  years 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  45 

had  been  the  centre  and  administrator  of 
this  society,  was  the  last  intelligible  word  on 
his  lips — “ Send  for  Mr.  Hartley,”  his  mind 
still  occupied,  when  life  was  fast  passing 
- away.  In  a letter  addressed  to  his  family 
after  his  death,  Mr.  Hartley  writes,  “ His 
record  is  far  above  the  reach  of  human 
praise.  His  noblest  encomium  is  that  the 
poor  remember  him,  that  a thousand  hearts 
embalm  his  memory,  and  mingle  their  tears 
and  sorrows  with  your  own.” 

The  world  has  its  heavy  duties  and  from 
these  he  did  not  shrink.  The  recollections 
of  his  married  life  often  made  him  regret 
that  he  had  not  allowed  himself  more 
leisure  for  his  family.  It  was  a remarkable 
fact  that  his  time  out  of  business  hours,  was 
frequently  engrossed  with  cases  of  arbitra- 
tion. This  sacrifice  of  comfort  and  even  of 
family  enjoyment  was  given  simply  to  the 
cause  of  friendship,  to  save  litigation. 

The  removal  of  Mr.  M inturn  to  Hudson 
Square  induced  him  to  leave  St.  George’s, 


46 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


and  take  a sitting  in  St.  John’s  Chapel, 
belonging  to  Trinity.  He  soon  became 
intimately  known  to  the  rector,  who  pro- 
posed that  he  should  become  one  of  the 
trustees  of  that  large  corporation,  which 
holds  such  immense  wealth,  given  origin- 
ally by  the  crown  to  the  Episcopal 
churches  of  New  York.  Mr.  Minturn 
gladly  accepted  the  proposition,  and  at 
once  made  known  to  the  rector  his  views, 
which  were,  that  the  property  thus  held 
was  doing  its  minimum  amount  of  good  in 
the  city.  He  had  long  looked  with  the 
deepest  regret  upon  that  hoarded  wealth, 
while  a large  portion  of  our  city  was  neg- 
lected by  the  church.  As  fast  as  the  city 
grew,  proportionate  means  should  have 
been  provided  by  this  wealthy  body,  ac- 
cording to  its  original  destination,  to  facili- 
tate worship  for  those  citizens  who  were 
members  of  the  Episcopal  church.  But, 
in  Mr.  Minturn’s  opinion,  instead  of  this 
wealth  being  a blessing  to  New  York,  it 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


47 


was  an  incubus  on  the  church,  interfering 
with  the  exertions  of  private  individuals, 
who  always  replied,  when  applications  were 
made  to  them  to  establish  new  churches — 
“ Why  does  not  Trinity  do  the  work  ? ” 

Through  his  frank  expression  of  these 
views,  he  was  never  again  called  upon  to 
aid  in  the  care  of  this  fund,  or  in  its  distri- 
bution. A few  years  later,  he,  with  other 
prominent  members  of  the  church,  took 
active  legislative  measures,  to  demand  what 
they  conceived  was  the  true  and  legitimate 
use  of  the  money.  Though  the  effort  failed 
at  the  time,  we  may  hope  that,  attention 
being  thus  roused  to  the  duty  of  those 
holding  this  immensely  valuable  property, 
has  led  to  a more  active  and  energetic  dis- 
posal of  it,  as  the  present  rector  and  vestry 
are  endeavoring  to  extend  its  influence  by 
instituting  much-needed  city  missions. 

In  the  year  1838,  Mr.  M inturn  went 
with  his  wife  and  family  to  Canada,  and 
received  the  hospitalities  of  the  Governor- 


48 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


general,  then  Lord  Durham  ; who,  with 
his  elegant  and  accomplished  wife,  did  the 
honors  of  their  country  most  gracefully 
Mr.  Minturn  formed  the  acquaintance  of 
several  Englishmen  of  rank  and  position 
in  Canada,  and  this  occurrence  led  to  his 
frequently  entertaining  in  his  New  York 
home  visitors  of  distinction  from  England, 
who  came  recommended  by  his  Canadian 
friends.  It  is  an  evidence  of  his  intrinsic 
worth  of  character,  as  well  as  of  his  en- 
larged views  and  general  intelligence,  that 
men  of  high  position  and  of  extreme  culti- 
tivation,  men  who  had  seen  so  much  of  life 
in  foreign  lands,  should  have  found  pleasure 
and  advantage  in  his  society.  It  is  a strong 
encouragement  to  duty,  to  application,  and 
to  self-improvement  and  self-control,  and 
all  those  nobler  qualities  which  make  a 
man  beloved  and  respected  in  every  station 
and  grade  of  life.  Mr.  Minturn  kept  up 
an  occasional  correspondence  with  these 
friends,  and  when  any  events  of  special 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  49 

moment  transpired  in  our  own  country,  or 
in  England,  letters  were  exchanged,  and 
the  views  of  public  men  and  their  actions 
canvassed.  Many  letters  of  deep  sympathy 
from  these  gentlemen  were  received  by  the 
family  of  Mr.  Minturn  after  his  death, 
showing  how  sincere  was  the  attachment 
he  had  inspired.  One  of  these,  a member 
of  parliament,  writes : “ The  news  of  his 
death  filled  me  with  sorrow  both  on  private 
and  public  accounts ; for,  in  the  present 
state  of  feeling  between  our  two  countries, 
I believe  there  are  few  on  either  side  of  the 
Atlantic  who  could  not  have  been  better 
spared.” 

Another  says,  “ Our  friendship  had  ex- 
tended over  many  years,  and  I can  hon- 
estly say  that,  among  the  many  men  with 
whom  I have  lived,  in  various  degrees  of 
intimacy,  during  all  that  time,  there  has 
never  been  one  in  whom  I have  felt  a more 
perfect  trust  for  honor,  honesty,  virtue  and 
truth ; and  I have  often  felt,  when  I have 


4 


50 


A MEMORIAL. 


heard  your  countrymen  decried,  that  when 
such  men  as  your  father  were  to  be  found 
among  them,  there  would  always  be  that 
leaven  which  makes  the  whole  lump 
good.*  And  another  writes : “ Both  Lady 
B.  and  myself  are  most  truly  grieved  at  the 
sad  event.  To  me  he  has  always  been  a 
most  kind  and  valued  friend  for  more  than 
twenty-five  years,  and  I feel  his  loss  very 
much  indeed.” 

An  officer  in  India  says:  “He  was  one 
of  the  best  and  kindest  friends  I ever  had. 
I have  often  thought  that  my  trip  to 
America,  in  1855,  even  if  it  had  had  no 
other  advantage,  was  well  worth  taking  to 
obtain  the  friendship  of  a man  of  his  dis- 
tinguished position  and  character.  It  must 
be  a gratification  to  his  friends  that  the  last 
act  of  his  useful  and  philanthropic  life  was 
making  a provision  for  the  poor  freedmen.” 


CHAPTER  V. 


About  the  year  1841,  Mr.  Minturn  was 
solicited  to  take  part  in  public  affairs,  an 
important  office  in  . the  State  being  offered 
to  him.  This  he  declined,  feeling  that  his 
sphere  of  duty  was  sufficiently  large,  and 
;ts  responsibilities  not  lightly  to  be  laid 
aside.  But  the  circumstance  brought  him 
into  pleasant  intercourse  with  many  of  the 
prominent  men  of  the  time,  with  some  of 
whom  a lasting  friendship  was  formed. 

The  following  year  Mr.  Minturn  rented 
a cottage,  called  Silver  Spring,  on  the 
Hudson,  not  far  from  Sunny  side,  the  resi- 
dence of  Washington  Irving.  The  neigh- 
borhood was  a delightful  one  ; and,  in  the 
society  of  half  a dozen  families,  genial, 

(50 


52 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


cultivated,  and  refined,  three  summers  of 
memorable  enjoyment  were  passed.  Mr. 
M inturn’s  great  delight  was  to  get  away 
from  the  heat  and  bustle  of  the  city — not 
for  the  night’s  rest  only,  but,  whenever  he 
could  be  spared,  for  a day  from  the  toils  of 
his  counting-house.  Every  point  of  inter- 
est for  miles  around,  rendered  classic  by  the 
inimitable  sketches  of  Washington  Irving  ; 
every  rare  view,  every  sequestered  nook, 
was  visited  again  and  again  during  these 
.three  happy  summers.  At  that  time  the 
Hudson  River  Railroad  was  not  construct- 
ed, and  access  to  the  city  being  slower 
than  it  is  now,  seemed  to  give  an  additional 
charm  to  the  retirement  of  those  homes 
that  crown  the  cliffs  or  nestle  in  the  valleys 
of  that  magnificent  river.  It  is  pleasant  to 
recall  those  days  of  Mr.  Minturn’s  life,  when, 
becoming  a child  with  his  children  in  the 
enjoyment  of  their  country  amusements,  he 
entered  heartily  into  any  plan  proposed  for 
an  excursion  on  the  river,  or  a picnic  in 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


53 


the  woods.  His  kind,  large  heart  always 
contrived  to  extend  the  pleasure  to  as 
many  as  possible,  and  in  proportion  to  the 
number  of  those  on  whom  he  could  confer 
happiness,  so  was  his  own  increased. 

Mr.  M inturn  erected  a large,  commo- 
dious house  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  in  the 
year  1844,  and  in  the  autumn  of  1845  the 
family  removed  thither  from  Hudson 
Square.  Not  many  months  after  this 
change  of  residence,  Sarah,  the  fourth 
daughter,  was  born.  The  summer  of  1845, 
and  the  two  succeeding,  were  passed  at 
Newport.  These  three  summers  brought 
them  into  more  intimate  association  with 
Mr.  John  A.  Stevens,  an  old  and  valued 
friend,  Mr.  David  Kennedy,  and  others, 
whose  friendship  death  only  severed. 
Among  the  new  friends  most  valued,  was 
the  lovely  and  accomplished  Mrs.  Lindley 
Hoffman.  She  was  deeply  interested  in 
the  work  of  Dr.  Muhlenberg,  who  at  that 
time  was  carrying  out  the  desires  of  his 


54 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


sister,  Mrs.  Rogers,  whose  husband  had  be- 
queathed a sum  of  money  for  the  erection 
of  a church,  intended  to  be  free.  This 
plan  found  such  a hearty  response  from 
Mr.  M inturn,  that  a most  cordial  friend- 
ship was  formed  for  Mrs.  Hoffman,  and  a 
happy  intercourse  of  congenial  sentiments 
established  between  them,  which  we  can- 
not doubt  has  been  renewed  in  that  better 
land,  on  which  they  have  both  entered. 

Mr.  M inturn  had  been  for  a long  time 
interested  in  the  subject  of  free  churches, 
and  gave  much  time  and  active  effort  to- 
wards bringing  it  before  the  legislature. 
He  therefore  became  Dr.  Muhlenberg’s  co- 
adjutor. We  find  a memorandum  of  Mr. 
Minturn’s,  dated  April  12,  1854:  “ Fret 
Church  Bill  passed  this  day.”  And  soon 
after  another : “ Subscribed  $500  to  Mr.  T., 
for  his  church,  provided  the  sittings  be 
made  free.” 

He  took  the  warmest  interest  in  the 
development  of  this  plan  in  the  church  of 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


55 


the  Holy  Communion,  where  Dr.  Muhlen- 
berg, by  his  attractive  services,  parochial 
schools,  and  other  ministerial  efforts,  soon 
filled  to  overflowing,  the  beautiful  edifice 
which  has  been  for  twenty-five  years,  and 
still  is,  the  centre  of  a vast  field  of  useful- 
ness. The  first  service  in  this  church  was 
the  baptism  of  Sarah,  Mr.  M inturn’s  fourth 
daughter.  The  church  was  not  quite  fin- 
ished, but  the  font  was  there,  given  by  Mrs. 
Hoffman.  This  dear  friend  stood  sponsor 
for  the  little  darling,  who  lived  an  angel’s 
life  of  six  years,  and  then  winged  her  way 
to  that  pure  heaven  which  seemed  to  be 
her  native  sphere. 

The  attachment  between  Mr.  M inturn 
and  Dr.  Muhlenberg  led  to  a constant  co- 
operation in  all  good  works.  The  Church 
of  the  Holy  Communion  fairly  established, 
a new  enterprise  suggested  itself  to  the  act- 
ive mind  of  its  pastor.  He  determined  to 
build  a church  hospital ; and,  connected  with 
this,  we  find  two  minutes  among  Mr.  Min- 


56 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


turn’s  papers.  “March  13th,  1852:  I have 
this  day  authorized  Dr.  Muhlenberg  to  sub- 
scribe for  me  $10,000  to  St.  Luke’s  Hospital, 
provided  the  sum  of  $100,000  be  raised  with- 
in a year.”  Two  years  and  two  months  after, 
he  writes,  “ May  6th,  1854:  This  day  wit- 
nessed the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  St. 
Luke’s  Hospital.  The  services  were  con- 
ducted by  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Wainwright.” 

On  the  same  page  of  his  note-book, 
(though  this  is  anticipating  dates,)  he  writes : 
“ I also  authorized  Mr.  A.  M.  Wetmore  to 
subscribe  $5,000  for  me  to  the  Juvenile 
Asylum ; conditionally  that  within  the  year 
the  necessary  subscription  and  other  ar- 
rangements are  effected,  to  secure  a grant 
of  $50,000  from  the  corporation ; and  the 
provision  for  the  support  of  the  institution 
by  an  annual  allowance  for  each  child,  as 
provided  in  the  Act  of  Incorporation.  Both 
the  above  subscriptions  are  anonymous,  and 
I am  only  known  as  the  donor  to  persons 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  57 

who  make  the  subscription,  and  to  my  dear 
wife” 

Mr.  Minturn,  in  connection  with  other 
gentlemen,  became  seriously  impressed  with 
the  immense  evils  to  which  emigrants  arriv- 
ing on  our  shores  were  exposed,  and  took 
active  measures  for  the  reform  of  these  evils. 
He  devoted  much  time  to  this  object ; and 
in  this,  as  in  other  efforts  of  the  kind,  he 
was  always  ably  assisted  by  Mr.  Thurlow 
Weed,  of  Albany,  whose  legislative  influ- 
ence, as  well  as  his  own  benevolence,  were 
invaluable  aids.  A volume  of  letters,  bound 
in  their  original  form,  is  preserved  by  Mr. 
Weed,  which  contains  a great  number  from 
Mr.  Minturn,  shewing  in  how  many  differ- 
ent ways  his  mind  was  employed,  and  his 
influence  brought  to  bear  on  the  correction 
of  important  evils  in  commercial  and  ship- 
ping affairs.  Unfortunately,  the  opportu- 
nity having  been  lost  for  selections  from 
these  letters,  it  only  remains  to  say  that  in 
this  particular  effort  for  the  benefit  of  emi- 


58 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


grants,  a Commission  was  established,  and 
Commissioners  appointed  by  the  State, 
whose  labours  were  without  remuneration, 
except  that  which  flowed  from  the  satisfac- 
tion of  giving  relief  to  their  fellow-crea- 
tures. 

It  was  a blessed  Providence  that  led  to 
this  measure,  for  no  sooner  was  it  accom- 
plished, than  the  famine  of  1845,  in  Ireland, 
sent  thousands  of  wretched,  starving,  fever- 
stricken  emigrants  to  our  shores.  Room 
could  not  be  found  to  accommodate  the  sad 
numbers  that  were  rushing  from  their  native 
country  to  find  food  and  life  in  a land  of 
abundance.  Truly  a Joseph  was  in  Egypt, 
ready  to  feed  them  and  labour  in  their  be- 
half. Mr.  M inturn  was  not  alone  in  these 
labours,  he  had  ready  co-adjutors  in  many 
of  our  most  respectable  citizens,  but  we  feel 
sure  that  if  their  testimony  were  given,  it 
would  be  to  the  fact  that  nothing  could  ex- 
ceed his  devotion  to  the  wretched  sufferers 
who  were  pouring  in  by  thousands.  Ships 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


59 


were  arriving  daily,  filled  with  sick  and  hag- 
gard creatures  who  had  been  too  ill  to  pre- 
pare their  own  miserable  food,  and  who 
were  literally  dying.  The  hospitals  were 
soon  filled  to  overflowing;  and  the  quaran- 
tine grounds  covered  with  rough  sheds,  put 
up  as  quickly  as  possible  to  receive  these 
poor  sufferers.  Mr.  Minturn  constantly 
visited  them,  directing  the  baths,  food,  and 
medicine  they  should  receive.  One  Sunday 
morning  when  in  church,  he  was  called  out 
and  did  not  return  home  until  late  in  the 
day.  He  afterwards  told  his  family  that  he 
had  been  occupied  for  hours  in  receiving, 
sheltering,  and  superintending  himself  the 
preparation  of  food  for  a large  ship-load  of 
emigrants  who  had  arrived  in  a most  dread- 
ful condition.  A warm  bath,  clean  linen, 
and  wholesome  food,  often  revived  those 
who  seemed  to  be  rapidly  passing  away 
under  the  baneful  influence  of  typhoid 
fever. 

Some  years  before  this,  Mr.  Minturn  had 


6o 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


purchased  a portion  of  Ward’s  Island  which 
contained  a large  building,  partly  in  ruins, 
that  had  been  erected  for  a manufacturing 
purpose.  He  bought  it  with  the  intention 
of  holding  the  land  in-  order  to  give  it  to 
benevolent  institutions.  The  moment  had 
arrived  when  this  purchase  was  to  be  made 
a public  blessing.  The  building  was  soon 
repaired  and  rented  as  a large  and  commo- 
dious hospital  for  the  benefit  of  the  emi- 
grants. Afterwards  the  hospital  and  lands 
were  exchanged  by  the  Commission  for 
another  portion  of  land  at  the  southern 
extremity  of  Ward’s  Island. 

This  was  held  by  Mr.  Minturn  until  with- 
in a fortnight  of  his  death,  when,  with  a 
sort  of  premonition,  he  told  his  wife,  that, 
fearing  the  possibility  of  his  being  taken 
away  before  the  land  should  be  put  to  the 
use  for  which  he  had  intended  it,  he  had 
transferred  it  to  the  Trustees  of  St.  Luke’s 
Hospital,  to  be  held  by  them  until  it  could 
be  disposed  of  for  the  benefit  of  those  for 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  6 1 

whom  he  had  originally  bought  it.  He  had 
gone  over  the  land  that  autumn,  with  the 
intention  of  giving  it  for  the  erection  of 
charitable  institutions,  and  had  a beautiful 
plan  drawn  out  for  a cluster  of  buildings — 
houses  for  aged  and  infirm  men  and  women 
— a convalescing  hospital  for  children — and 
a church  in  the  centre,  which  was  to  be 
built  at  his  own  expense.  This  earthly 
gratification  was  not  given  to  him. 

The  land  has  since  been  sold  by  the  trus- 
tees ; the  proceeds  to  be  devoted  to  pur- 
chasing sites  for  the  same  charitable  ob- 
jects, more  easy  of  access  than  an  island 
can  be. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Mr.  Minturn’s  great  devotion  to  these 
poor  emigrants  told  upon  his  health.  Sleep- 
less nights  and  anxious  days  filled  with  new 
projects  for  their  relief,  or  with  tormenting 
thoughts  that  he  might  possibly  have  done 
something  more,  made  it  necessary  that  he 
should  relinquish  the  charge  and  go  abroad 
for  a season. 

To  separate  himself  from  so  many  active 
pursuits,  and  withdraw  from  the  various 
benevolent  societies  in  which  he  was  at  this 
time  engaged,  required  a great  deal  of  reso- 
lution and  awakened  the  sympathy  of  all 
who  knew  him.  The  notice  of  his  with- 
drawal from  the  Commission  of  Emigration, 

(62) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  63 

which  we  subjoin,  gives  an  epitome  of  his 
labours,  and  their  effect  on  his  health : 

“ The  resignation  of  Mr.  Robert  B.  Minturn  of  the 
Office  of  Emigration  will  be  learned  with  profound  regret 
by  all  who  know  the  nature  and  value  of  the  services  he  has 
been  rendering. 

“ Mr.  Minturn  was  appointed  by  the  law  creating 
Commissioners  of  Emigration.  The  usefulness  of  that 
law  to  the  city  and  the  state,  and  its  beneficial  effect 
upon  the  emigrants  arriving  since  its  passage  in  New 
York,  is  known  and  acknowledged.  But  the  devoted, 
ceaseless,  unselfish,  and  even  self-sacrificing  exertions  of 
Mr.  Minturn,  in  organizing  the  Board  of  Commissioners 
and  in  executing  the  protective  benevolent  provisions  of 
that  law,  never  can  be  known ; for  his  generosity  and 
philanthropy  are  of  that  nature  that  conceals  from  the  left 
hand  the  good  done  by  the  right. 

“There  was  no  amount  of  labour  that  Mr.  Minturn 
did  not  cheerfully  perform ; there  were  no  suggestions  of 
advantage  or  relief  to  the  emigrants  that  he  did  not  carry 
out ; there  was  no  suffering  that  he  did  not  mitigate,  and 
no  pestilence  that  he  did  not  face.  In  the  language  of  a 
distinguished  divine,  who  had  the  best  opportunities  of 
knowing  what  Mr.  Minturn  was  doing,  his  sympathy  for 
and  kindness  to  the  poor  and  sick  emigrant  was  only 
equalled  by  that  of  the  * Sisters  of  Charity.’ 


64 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


“ Onerous,  irksome,  and  often  perilous,  as  these  duties 
are,  Mr.  Minturn,  but  for  considerations  which  he  was  not 
at  liberty  to  disregard,  would  have  remained  at  his  post. 
But  he  was  seriously  ill  himself  last  winter.  Though 
measurably  restored,  quiet  and  repose  are  essential  to  the 
complete  re-establishment  of  his  health.  In  the  opinion 
of  his  physicians  and  his  friends,  there  was  great  danger 
from  his  continuance  in  the  Board  of  Emigrant  Commis- 
sioners, and  he  has  finally  yielded  to  their  importunities 
by  forwarding  his  resignation  to  the  Governor.” 

When  he  left  home  for  foreign  lands  he 
carried  with  him  not  only  the  love  of  his 
friends,  but  letters  of  introduction  from  all 
quarters  to  many  of  the  philanthrophists, 
clergy,  and  statesmen  of  Europe  ; and,  as 
he  had  already  many  personal  friends  in 
England  and  elsewhere,  he  did  not  go  as  a 
stranger.  Indeed,  very  few  Americans,  who 
have  not  been  sent  out  in  a public  capacity, 
have  been  so  largely  introduced,  or  so  gen- 
erally well-received.  The  period  in  which 
Mr.  Minturn  went  abroad  was  one  marked 
by  great  political  excitement  in  Europe. 
The  voyage  was  delayed  some  weeks  in 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  65 

consequence  of  the  Chartist  movement  in 
England ; and  when  Mr.  M inturn  arrived 
there,  he  found  almost  all  respectable  men 
were  sworn  in  as  special  policemen,  each 
carrying  his  little  baton  in  his  pocket. 
Happily,  wise  legislation  has  averted,  and  is 
averting,  those  evils  that  would  arise  from  a 
too  rapid  development  of  democratic  prin- 
ciples, by  anticipating  measures  that  must 
be  carried  out  in  accordance  with  the  popu- 
lar will. 

It  was  in  the  month  of  May,  1848,  that 
Mr.  M inturn,  with  his  wife  and  sister,  six 
children  and  servants,  sailed  for  England  in 
the  ship  Patrick  Henry,  Captain  Delano. 
This  was  one  of  the  vessels  which  had  so 
often  before  carried  invalids,  or  tired  clergy- 
men, or  young  men  broken  down  by  study, 
sent  by  Mr.  Minturn  to  recruit  their  strength 
by  a voyage.  He  had  so  frequently  done 
these  kindnesses,  that  the  application  for 
them  at  last  became  incessant.  Sometimes 
it  was  for  an  individual,  sometimes  for  a 


66 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


family  of  foreigners,  who  had  come  to 
America  in  search  of  what  they  did  not 
find — a living — and  were  most  thankful  to 
be  sent  back  to  their  homes  across  the  At- 
lantic. 

The  spring  and  early  summer  of  this 
year  were  passed  in  London,  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  the  most  desirable  society,  in  visit- 
ing scenes  of  historical  and  local  interest, 
and  in  earnest  enquiries  as  to  the  working 
of  various  schemes  of  benevolence,  the  con- 
dition of  the  English  church,  and  all  the 
large  questions  at  that  time  before  the 
public  mind.  He  was  much  interested  in 
listening  to  debates  in  Parliament  on  the 
state  and  revenue  of  the  church,  carefully 
noting  down  the  facts  he  gathered.  These 
quotations,  from  his  statistical  note -book, 
though  short,  may  lead  us  to  infer  that  his 
practical  mind  felt  how  inadequately  sup- 
plied were  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  people 
by  this  enormous  outlay  of  wealth.  “ De- 
bate in  Parliament,  Aug.  ist,  1848.  Reve- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  67 

nuc  of  the  church.  Four  and  a half  to 
five  millions  sterling : being  more  than  the 
whole  revenue  of  Belgium  and  Naples, 
double  that  of  Portugal,  equal  to  the  whole 
revenue  of  the  United  States,  and  more  than 
half  that  of  Prussia” 

In  social  intercourse  at  the  breakfast- 
table  of  Sir  Robert  Inglis,  who  always  ex- 
tended a genial  hospitality  to  our  country- 
men and  women,  and  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Kenyon,  an  accomplished  scholar  and  poet, 
and  in  other  social  circles,  he  met  many  of 
the  most  cultivated  men  of  the  day. 

An  evening  reception  at  Lord  Palmer- 
ston's brought  together  a number  of  cele- 
brated personages.  Among  them  the  Duke 
of  Wellington.  An  introduction  to  him  led 
to  a little  circumstance  of  interest.  A lady 
sitting  near  Mr.  M inturn,  begged  that  she 
also  might  be  introduced ; and  when  pre- 
sented, she  told  the  Duke  that  she  had  when 
a little  child  sat  upon  his  knee  the  evening 
before  the  battle  of  Saragossa.  This,  of 


68 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


course,  awakened  his  interest,  and  gave  the 
opportunity  of  hearing  as  well  as  seeing  the 
old  hero  to  great  advantage,  as  he  conversed 
on  the  exciting  events  of  that  period.  Mr. 
M inturn  saw  Rogers,  then  almost  sinking 
into  his  grave  ; and  Macaulay,  equally 
famous  for  his  eloquent  conversation  as 
for  his  eloquent  writing. 

In  a drawing-room  in  London,  he  met 
the  present  Emperor  of  the  French,  and 
learned  many  interesting  anecdotes  of  him 
from  their  mutual  host,  Mr.  Joshua  Bates. 
Among  others,  that  Napoleon  had  prophe- 
sied to  one  of  the  foreign  ministers  that 
within  four  years  he  would  be  on  the  throne. 
A few  months  after  this,  Mr.  M inturn  saw 
the  same  man  elected  President  of  the 
French',  smoking  his  cigar  in  a most  demo- 
cratic way  in  a small  English  dog-cart  under 
the  windows  of  the  Hotel  Bristol  in  Paris. 
And  he  was  very  much  amused  to  find  as  he 
travelled  down  through  France,  that  the  ig- 
norant common  people  were  mistaking  this 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  69 

Napoleon  for  the  hero  of  the  first  revolu- 
tion. 

Occasional  visits  to  the  country,  so  beau- 
tiful always  in  England,  and  to  some  of  its 
grand  old  country-seats,  where  centuries  of 
care  have  brought  the  trees  to  perfection, 
and  made  the  lawns  like  velvet,  brought 
new  interest  with  almost  every  day.  It 
is  worthy  of  note  that  while  these  houses 
combine  every  comfort  and  every  refine- 
ment, and  afford  every  advantage  for  the 
cultivation  of  taste  and  accomplishment, 
they  do  not  display  extravagance  in  furni- 
ture, which  to  Americans  is  rather  refresh- 
ing. 

The  children  of  the  aristocracy,  and  of 
all  educated  people,  are  brought  up  with 
the  greatest  simplicity  ; their  nurseries  and 
rooms  are  plainly  furnished,  and  their  food 
always  simple  and  wholesome.  They  are 
not  permitted  to  talk  aloud  in  the  presence 
of  their  seniors,  except  at  times  devoted  to 
play,  or  recreation.  The  entire  training  of 


7o 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


children  is  almost  Spartan,  but  it,  no  doubt, 
teaches  an  early  self-control,  which  is  valua- 
ble in  the  formation  of  character. 

Mr.  Minturn  was  much  interested  in  the 
shades  of  difference  between  the  two  coun- 
tries ; and  while  he  thoroughly  valued  and 
appreciated  much  that  he  saw,  especially 
the  straightforward  honesty  which  expresses 
the  real  sentiments  of  the  speaker,  and 
avoids  professions  of  friendship,  unless  it 
can  be  shown  by  deeds,  yet,  he  considered 
that  the  most  distinctive  mark  of  difference 
between  us  was  the  deficiency  in  England 
of  a sense  of  brotherhood,  that  which  leads 
men  not  only  to  feel,  but  to  show  sympathy 
for  all  others.  This  brotherliness  was  so 
eminently  a characteristic  of  his  own,  that 
possibly  he  felt  the  difference  more  than 
others  would  do,  although  towards  him 
there  was  never  any  lack  of  cordiality  and 
kindness. 

The  country  life  we  speak  of  had  a par- 
ticular attraction  for  him.  He  was  much 


ROBERT  BOVVNE  MINTURN. 


71 


delighted  with  visits  that  he  paid  to  the 
family  of  one  of  the  old  members  of  the 
aristocracy,  where  the  head  of  the  house- 
hold, as  each  morning  came  round,  met 
with  his  family  and  numerous  retinue  of  ser- 
vants in  the  housekeepers  room,  and  read 
prayers ; and  every  Sunday  evening,  not 
prayers  only,  but  a short  sermon  or  lecture 
from  some  text  of  Scripture,  written  by 
himself.  This  is  a pleasant  testimony  to 
the  benefit  of  religious  education,  and  the 
respect  for  religion  in  England,  which, 
although  it  may  often  rest  satisfied  with 
forms,  marks  a strong  feature  in  the  national 
character.  One  cannot  but  believe  that 
the  recognition  on  all  public  occasions,  by 
government  and  by  all  those  in  power,  of 
their  dependence  on  a Supreme  ‘Being,  is 
the  greatest  bulwark  of  the  national  pros- 
perity. Regular  attendance  upon  divine 
worship,  respect  for  the  Sabbath,  and  for 
family  prayer,  are  almost  universal  in  all 
houses  of  respectability.  We  would  not 


72 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


dwell  on  these  views,  were  it  not  that 
in  our  own  land,  where  we  are  so  much 
more  free  from  forms  and  ceremonies,  it 
may  be  feared  that  in  the  neglect  of  forms 
the  spirit  of  Christianity  may  suffer. 

One  of  the  friends  to  whom  we  have 
alluded  above,  Mr.  Kenyon,  drew  out  a 
plan  of  travel  in  England  for  Mr.  M inturn. 
This  was  a timely  aid,  for  with  this  little 
chart  he  managed  to  make  his  way  readily 
to  every  spot  of  most  interest  in  Great 
Britain.  Wherever  he  went,  kindness  was 
extended ; and  his  observations  of  men  and 
things,  founded  on  careful  enquiry,  were 
always  on  the  increase.  He  had  the  useful 
habit  of  transferring  the  most  important 
items  to  his  note-book,  and  this  small  book 
of  statistics  would  be  really  valuable,  were 
it  published,  as  he  gathered  some  truth 
from  every  individual  with  whom  he  con- 
versed. 

After  a visit  to  the  Isle  of  Wight,  where, 
in  the  beautiful  town  of  Ryde,  he  estab- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


73 


lished  his  family  for  a few  weeks,  he  trav- 
ersed the  southern  coast  of  England,  now 
so  much  more  easy  of  access  by  rail  than  it 
was  at  that  time  by  water.  In  Cornwall 
he  inquired  particularly  into  the  habits  of 
the  miners,  the  effect  of  the  mines  upon 
their  health,  and  the  age  to  which  they  live. 
He  descended  one  of  the  oldest  and  most 
interesting  mines,  which  was  an  undertaking 
of  no  little  risk  and  effort.  In  Wales  he 
paid  a visit  to  one  of  the  friends  formed  ir 
America,  and  was  delighted  with  the  cor- 
dial welcome  he  received,  and  with  the 
beauty  of  the  wild  Welsh  scenery.  The 
house,  which  appeared  from  its  exterior  a 
modest  one,  was  made  interesting  by  a quo- 
tation from  Horace  over  the  entrance,  and 
by  an  immense  library  built  in  the  court. 

After  this,  the  manufacturing  towns  were 
visited,  and  it  is  wonderful  with  how  much 
detail  of  commercial  interest  he  made  him- 
self acquainted.  No  spot  of  romantic  or 
historical  lore  was  left  unexplored  ; Kenil- 


74 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


worth,  Warwick,  Chatsworth,  Fountain’s 
Abbey,  York  and  its  cathedral,  Leeds,  and 
the  Westmoreland  and  Cumberland  lakes. 
At  Windermere  he  called  on  the  venerable 
poet  Wordsworth,  seventy-eight  years  old. 
He  was  very  kind,  and  wished  to  know  if 
the  United  States  were  improving  morally 
and  religiously.  At  Keswick,  Mr.  M inturn 
writes:  “Sunday,  Sep.  17th.  Went  in  the 
morning  to  the  new  church,  Mr.  Myers, 
rector.  In  the  evening  attended  service  in 
the  Sunday-school,  conducted  by  Mr.  Jo- 
seph Stranger,  a gentleman  of  fortune. 
The  services  consisted  of  singing,  prayer 
from  the  church  prayer-book,  chanting  a 
Psalm,  reading  the  Psalms  for  the  evening ; 
a lecture  ; singing  a hymn,  and  concluding 
with  a prayer.  Mr.  Stranger  devotes  his 
whole  time  to  visiting  the  poor,  distributing 
tracts,  and  giving  pecuniary  assistance.” 

In  Edinburgh  Mr.  Minturn  enjoyed  much 
intercourse  with  intelligent  minds.  His 
visit  to  that  city,  followed  by  an  extensive 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


75 


excursion  among  the  beautiful  Highlands 
of  Scotland,  led  him  to  contrast  the  misery 
and  wretchedness  in  the  closes  of  Edinburgh, 
where  ignorance  prevailed,  with  the  miles 
of  country  owned  by  a few  proprietors,  and 
kept  as  preserves  for  game.  At  that  period, 
1848,  there  were  400,000  Celts  in  the 
Highlands,  speaking  the  Celtic  language. 
As  a curious  philological  fact,  a French- 
woman, residing  there  at  that  time,  who 
could  not  speak  any  other  language  than 
her  own,  found  fifty  Gaelic  words  which  she 
could  understand,  and  by  which  she  could 
communicate  with  the  Highlanders. 

From  Edinburgh  Mr.  M inturn  went  to 
Glasgow,  and  then  to  the  Scotch  lakes, 
going  north  through  the  pass  of  Glencoe  to 
Oban,  from  which  point  he  visited  Fingal’s 
Cave,  and  Iona,  whose  ancient  remains  of 
churches  and  crosses  most  deeply  impressed 
him.  He  afterwards  passed  over  to  Ireland, 
landing  at  Port  Rush,  which  is  only  fifteen 
miles  from  Scotland.  The  Giant’s  Cause- 


7 6 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


way,  with  its  magnificent  natural  masonry, 
excited  his  admiration. 

On  the  30th  of  October,  Mr.  M inturn 
went  to  France ; and  many  facts  and  ob- 
servations might  be  quoted  from  his  note- 
book, did  we  not  know  that  not  only 
France,  but  the  whole  continent  of  Europe, 
is  as  familiar  to  Americans  as  their  own 
land.  At  Lyons,  he  was  interested  in  the 
hospital  there,  and  writes:  “It  has  1,400 
patients,  and  is  attended  by  70  Brothers 
and  200  Sisters  of  Charity,  who  are  fed  and 
clothed,  and  receive  about  forty  francs  per 
annum  besides.  The  wards  are  high  and 
well  ventilated ; the  stairs  are  of  stone,  and 
it  is  altogether  a superior  establishment. 
There  are  wards  for  pay-patients,  where  for 
twenty-five  sous  a day  they  have  the  best 
accommodation.”  In  travelling,  Mr.  M in- 
turn’s  mind  was  always  awake  to  plans  of 
benevolence ; and  his  notes  about  the  vari- 
ous hospitals  he  visited,  show  how  anxious 
he  was  to  carry  out  for  St.  Luke’s  the  new 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


77 


ideas  presented  to  him,  regarding  arrange- 
ments for  ventilation,  style  of  building,  etc. 

In  those  days,  railroads  were  not  so  nu- 
merous as  they  now  are,  and  Mr.  M inturn 
greatly  enjoyed  the  more  leisurely  mode  of 
travelling.  Going  from  Lyons  to  Valencia 
by  steamboat,  he  and  his  party  sat  in  their 
own  carriages  during  the  greater  part  of  the 
passage.  He  says,  “ The  river  there  is  as 
broad  as  the  Hudson  between  Hyde  Park 
and  Albany,  but  rapid  and  difficult  of  navi- 
gation, owing  to  sand-bars  and  rocks.  The 
villages  on  the  banks  are  numerous,  and 
they  are  connected  with  the  opposite  sides 
of  the  river  by  beautiful  suspension  bridges. 
The  sides  of  the  hills  are  covered  with  vine- 
yards, and  one,  the  Hermitage,  is  remarka- 
ble for  being  so  situated,  that  the  sun  shines 
upon  it  nearly  the  whole  day  long,  which 
causes  the  wine  to  be  particularly  rich  and 
fine.” 

Mr.  M inturn  visited  Orange,  Avignonj 
Nismes  and  Arles,  and  reached  Marseilles 


78 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


on  the  25th  of  November.  From  Mar- 
seilles he  went  to  Toulon,  where  the  view 
of  the  harbour,  as  seen  from  Fort  Morgue, 
pleased  him  much.  He  says,  “ The  entrance 
to  the  port  is  defended  by  forts  near  the 
edge  of  the  water.  These,  in  1793,  were  in 
possession  of  the  British  and  Spaniards,  and 
Napoleon  Bonaparte  gave  the  first  evidence 
of  his  military  genius  by  planning  a line  of 
forts  on  the  higher  parts  of  the  mountains, 
which  commanded  those  below  them,  and 
obliged  the  English  and  Spaniards  to  evac- 
uate them.  At  the  Fort  Morgue  we  saw 
the  apartments  in  which  Abd-el-Kader,  the 
Moorish  chief,  had  been  confined,  with  his 
family,  in  all  thirty-six  persons.” 

From  Toulon  he  went  to  Leluc,  passing 
through  a very  delightful  country.  His 
note-book  says : “For  the  first  time  we  see 
the  orange  and  pomegranate.  In  one  spot, 
the  roadside  was  lined  with  rose  bushes  in 
full  bloom,  which  were  very  beautiful. 
From  Leluc  we  went  to  Cannes,  where 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


79 


Lord  Brougham  has  a fine  country-seat ; 
the  house  not  tasteful,  but  the  situation  very 
agreeable,  being  directly  open  to  the  sea. 
We  rowed  to  a little  island  about  two  miles 
from  Cannes,  to  see  the  fortress  in  which 
was  confined  ‘ The  Man  with  an  Iron  Mask/ 
in  the  reign  of  Louis  XV.,  and  where  we 
saw  150  Arab  chiefs,  who  had  been  cap- 
tured at  Algiers  with  Abd-el-Kader.  Sev- 
eral of  them  were  intelligent-looking  men, 
of  commanding  appearance.”  From  Cannes 
Mr.  M inturn  proceeded  to  Nice,  remaining 
there  nine  days ; and  thence,  passing  along 
the  beautiful  Cornici  road,  to  Oneglia,  the 
moon  shining  as  bright  as  day  the  latter 
half  of  the  distance.  The  road  from  Oneg- 
lia to  Savona  borders  the  Alps,  directly  on 
the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean.  On  the 
13th  of  December,  Mr.  M inturn  reached 
Genoa,  and  remained  there  a week,  visiting 
the  spacious  palaces  and  fine  old  church- 
es, which  rival  any  in  Italy.  True  to  his 
character,  the  longest  note  in  his  little  book 


8o 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


relates  to  the  charitable  institutions  of  Ge- 
noa. “ The  Albergo  di  Poveri  is  a great 
almshouse,  admirably  situated,  and  well  ar- 
ranged with  airy  dormitories,  and  iron  bed- 
steads, clean,  and  as  well  kept  as  any  estab- 
lishment I have  ever  seen.  It  was  founded 
by  E.  Brignoli,  and  afterwards  received  large 
endowments  from  others,  so  that  it  is  now 
able  to  support  nearly  1,800  poor  within  its 
walls.  They  are  employed  in  weaving  and 
lace-making.  There  is  also  a fine  hospital 
by  Bartolomeo  del  Bosco,  which  has  1,000 
beds,  and  supports  3,000  foundlings.  And 
there  is  an  admirably  constructed  institution 
for  deaf  and  dumb,  and  an  orphan  asylum. 
The  Bank  of  St.  George,  now  the  Custom- 
House,  is  surrounded  in  the  interior  with 
statues  of  citizens  who  had  distinguished 
themselves  by  their  benevolence ; and  I 
have  seen  no  place  which  shows  such  evi- 
dence of  wealth  acquired  by  commerce,  and 
of  the  application  of  it  to  such  splendid 
charities.  The  people  are  very  democratic, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


8l 


and  I think  will  rapidly  improve  their  con- 
dition. The  Catholic  clergy  have  lost  their 
hold  upon  them,  and  to  regain  it,  I have  no 
doubt  they  will  see  the  necessity  of  reform- 
ing the  abuses  of  their  system.  Fourteen 
societies  of  monks  have  applied  to  the  gov- 
ernment to  be  released  from  their  vows,  that 
they  may  enter  some  useful  secular  pursuit.” 

From  this  ancient  and  interesting  city, 
Mr.  M inturn  went  to  Spezzia,  Carraro,  Pisa, 
and  reached  Florence  on  the  2 2d  of  De- 
cember. On  Christmas  day  he  heard  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Wain wright  preach.  A fortnight 
was  spent  at  Florence,  in  examining  every 
thing  worth  seeing.  While  there,  he  had  an 
interesting  conversation  with  Force.  “He 
informed  me,”  says  Mr.  Minturn,  “that  the 
Roman  Catholic  priests  in  Genoa  had  united 
for  the  purpose  of  effecting  reforms  in  the 
Church ; and  that  they  require  prayers  to 
be  read  in  Italian,  and  that  the  vow  of  celi- 
bacy should  be  done  away.  He  says  that 
the  clergy  in  other  parts  of  Italy  will  unite 


82 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


in  the  movement,  and  that  the  young  men 
now  coming  up  will  enter  earnestly  into  its 
advocacy.  He  further  told  me,  that  very 
few  of  the  clergy  ever  read  the  Bible,  and 
none  scarcely  of  the  laity.  He  also  repre- 
sents that  the  policy  of  the  Church  has  been 
to  employ  only  the  least  learned  and  intelli- 
gent priests,  who  would  sustain  all  the 
superstitions  of  the  system.” 

From  Florence  he  went  to  Arezzo,  Peru- 
gia, and  Spoleto,  where  he  saw  “ the  Ro- 
man aqueduct  crossing  a deep  valley,  and 
appearing  as  perfect  as  it  was  two  thousand 
years  ago.  The  road  leads  through  a high 
pass  of  the  mountain,  affording  very  beautiful 
scenery.  On  reaching  the  top,  nearly  three 
thousand  feet  above  the  sea,  the  valley  below 
was  filled  with  mist,  and  had  all  the  appear- 
ance of  a beautiful  lake.  The  road  from 
Spoleto  is  the  ancient  Flaminian  way,  and 
we  passed  on  the  side  near  Dorghetto,  a 
Roman  tomb  of  white  marble,  about  ten 
feet  square,  which  is  still  entirely  perfect.” 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  83 

On  the  8th  of  January,  1849,  Mr.  Min- 
turn  reached  Rome.  Besides  the  usual 
investigations  of  ancient  ruins,  churches, 
picture-galleries,  etc.,  he  made  earnest  en- 
quiries about  useful  and  charitable  institu- 
tions. 

“ I have  been  interested,”  he  says,  “ in  see- 
ing all  over  Rome  signs  of  schools,  and 
should  infer  that  there  was  very  extensive 

provision  for  the  education  of  the  young. 
*■ 

I saw,  on  the  way  from  Perugia,  signs  of 
‘ night-schools  ; ’ and  I find,  on  inquiry,  that 
they  are  established  in  all  the  Roman  States, 
and  intended  for  adults.”  The  Propaganda 
College  was  a subject  of  lively  interest.  “It 
contains,”  he  says,  “ ninety  boys,  from  thirty- 
two  different  countries.  There  are  Chinese, 
Armenian,  Brahmin,  and  one  from  New 
Zealand.  They  are  educated  here,  and  sent 
back  as  missionaries.  The  income  of  the 
Propaganda  is  about  £20,000.  The  boys 
are  divided  into  separate  classes,  each  under 
a prefect,  who  is  an  elder  scholar.  They  are 


84 


A MEMORIAL. 


allowed  only  an  hour  and  a half  daily  for 
exercise,  and  then  each  class  goes  out  with 
its  prefect.  At  other  times  leave  to  go  out 
is  rarel y granted,  and  there  must  always  be 
not  less  than  five  boys  together.  They 
study  very  hard.  In  the  library  I found 
two  hundred  and  fifty  large  volumes  of 
Chinese  books ; the  general  history  of  the 
empire  ; political  history  ; civil  law  ; biog- 
raphy ; philosophy  ; the  way  to  immortali- 
ty, by  various  authors ; also  twenty  volumes 
on  versification  and  the  modulation  of  the 
voice.” 

While  in  Rome,  Mr.  M inturn  was  intro- 
duced to  Dr.  Cullen,  the  present  Cardinal 
of  Ireland.  He  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kirby 
were  extremely  attentive  and  kind  to  Mr. 
M inturn’s  family,  when  he  was  absent  from 
them  travelling  in  the  East. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Mr.  Minturn,  in  company  with  his 
friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wainwright,  left  Rome 
on  the  morning  of  the  21st  of  January,  and 
passing  through  Naples,  and  the  islands  of 
Baia,  Puzzeoli,  Capri,  Stromboli  and  Sicily, 
they  reached  Malta  on  the  26th,  and  em- 
barked from  Civita  Vecchia  the  next  day 
for  Alexandria. 

Mr.  Minturn  kept  a minute  journal  of 
his  Eastern  tour,  and  we  shall  avail  our- 
selves of  his  notes  from  the  day  he  enter- 
ed Alexandria.  “ Febrtiary  1 st:  Entered 
the  harbour  of  Alexandria  at  eleven 
o’clock.  It  is  an  open  roadstead  with  bars 
at  the  mouth ; and,  passages  through  the 
shoals  being  narrow,  the  entrance  is  so 

(85) 


86 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


difficult  that  vessels  never  attempt  it  at 
night.  The  city  has  a very  oriental  appear- 
ance ; streets  filled  with  Arabs,  Egyptians, 
and  Ethiopians,  and  all  burdens  carried  by 
camels. 

“It  is  strongly  fortified  and  is  situated 
upon  a narrow  peninsula,  having  the  sea 
on  one  side  and  Lake  Mareotis  on  the 
other.  This  ancient  lake  had  been  drained, 
and  the  bed  of  it  was  extremely  fertile,  but 
the  English  army  cut  an  entrance  to  the 
sea  and  filled  it  with  water  to  defeat  the 
plans  of  Napoleon,  by  which  means  a 
country  of  seventy  miles  extent  was  lost 
for  cultivation.  There  was  a large  num- 
ber of  merchant  ships  in  the  harbour ; 
the  commerce  of  the  city  has  doubled 
since  Mahomet  Ali  ascended  the  throne, 
the  exports  being  now  two  million  pounds 
sterling,  when  formerly  they  were  only 
one.  There  were  also  several  ships  of  the 
line,  frigates,  and  sloops  of  war ; good- 
looking  vessels,  built  under  direction  of 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  87 

French  builders.  They  have  now  Egyp- 
tians who  are  so  trained  as  to  be  able  to 
build  ships.  The  navy-yard  is  a wonder, 
having  a substantial  dry-dock  and  all  the 
appliances  for  building  ships  of  war,  of 
which  there  are  several  on  the  stocks.” 

From  Cairo  he  writes  : “ February  4 tk. 
This  is  the  conclusion  of  the  festival  in 
honour  of  the  birth  of  Mahomet ; and  the 
wide  avenue  adjoining  the  public  garden  is 
covered  on  both  sides  with  tents,  and  a 
frame-work  is  erected  in  the  centre  to  sus- 
pend lamps  for  an  illumination.  We  had 
been  there  last  evening,  and  found  the  ave- 
nue crowded  with  people,  and  the  tents  filled 
with  men  dancing  and  throwing  themselves 
up  and  down  and  sideways,  with  great  en- 
thusiasm, being  arranged  in  rows  around 
the  inside  of  the  tents,  while  two  or  three 
readers  chanted  to  them  verses  of  the  Koran. 
The  scene  reminded  me  of  the  Shakers. 
This  morning  it  was  announced  that  the 
annual  procession  of  the  high  priests,  walk- 


88 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


ing  over  the  bodies  of  the  faithful  on  horse- 
back, would  take  place  in  the  avenue ; we, 
accordingly,  took  positions  to  see  it,  al- 
though my  feelings  revolted  so  strongly 
that  I could  scarcely  reconcile  myself  to 
being  one  of  the  spectators.  At  one  o’clock 
we  heard  the  sound  of  drums,  and  presently 
a band  appeared  coming  from  one  of  the 
mosques,  preceded  by  numerous  banners, 
and  then  followed  a procession  of  men, 
singing  the  Koran,  and  throwing  them- 
selves about  in  the  most  excited  manner. 
Upon  a signal,  these  threw  themselves 
down  flat  on  the  ground  as  close  together 
as  they  could  lie,  and  immediately  came  the 
priest,  a very  large  man,  riding  on  a full- 
sized  horse,  which  was  guided  by  a number 
of  grooms,  and  made  to  step  with  a deli- 
berate walk  directly  over  the  bodies  of  the 
men.  It  was  a horrible  sight,  and  the 
priest  looked  as  if  he  were  aware  of  it,  as 
he  kept  his  eyes  closed,  beating  his  breast, 
and  repeating  verses  in  Arabic.  The  num- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  89 

ber  of  persons  desirous  of  an  opportunity 
to  be  thus  trodden  upon  exceeded  the  space 
allotted  to  them,  and  I saw  several  dragged 
out,  and  with  difficulty  prevented  from 
rolling  again  into  the  ranks.  The  row  of 
bodies  walked  over  was  perhaps  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  yards  long.  I should  have 
mentioned  that  before  the  horse  stepped 
upon  them,  several  men  did  so,  which  pre- 
pared them  somewhat  for  the  iron  shoes 
of  the  horse ; and  the  high  religious  frenzy 
they  were  in  prevented  their  feeling  it  as 
much  as  we  might  have  expected.  When 
the  priest  had  passed,  they  rose  up,  many 
staggering  and  throwing  themselves  about 
like  drunkards  ; while  others  gave  silent 
evidence  of  the  pain  they  were  enduring, 
and  were  led  off  by  their  friends.  I heard 
that  two  had  died  of  their  bruises,  and  that 
another  was  very  ill.  It  was  a most  melan- 
choly exhibition  of  the  degraded  condition 
of  the  people  that  such  a transaction  could 
be  permitted.  As  soon  as  the  procession 


9o 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


was  ended,  the  avenue  was  filled  with 
the  moving  crowd,  and  the  tents  with 
persons  sitting  in  rows  and  singing  the 
Koran.” 

As  a pleasing  contrast  to  this  barbarous 
heathen  custom,  is  recorded  the  fact — 
“ There  is  a mission  here  of  the  London 
Church  Missionary  Society,  and  a service  is 
held  every  Sunday  morning.  The  congre- 
gation consisted,  with  but  two  or  three  ex- 
ceptions, of  travellers,  and  amounted  to 
thirty-eight  persons,  of  whom  one-half  par- 
took of  the  sacrament  of  our  blessed 
Saviour’s  body  and  blood.  The  services 
were  very  interesting,  the  sermon  excellent, 
and  it  was  a very  refreshing  privilege  in  this 
heathen  land.” 

Of  the  judicial  customs,  Mr.  Mintum 
records — “ Our  invaluable  privilege  of  trial 
by  jury  in  America,  is  entirely  unknown 
here  and  there  is  veiy  little  regard  for  jus- 
tice. If  a charge  is  made  against  a poor 
man,  which  he  is  not  able  to  refute  immedi- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  9 1 

ately,  he  is  at  once  sent  off  to  the  bastinado, 
which  punishment  consists  of  flogging  on  the 
soles  of  the  feet.  Debtors  who  are  unable  to 
pay  are  imprisoned.  From  the  civil  courts 
we  went  to  the  slave  mart,  which  is  a house 
in  the  city,  with  an  open  court,  and  small 
rooms,  in  which  we  saw  ten  or  twelve  Nu- 
bian girls,  very  black,  with  their  hair  plaited 
and  greased,  and  nothing  but  a dirty,  loose 
wrapper  over  them.  They  were,  however, 
modest,  and  disposed  to  recede  from  us, 
but  came  forward  with  the  hope  of  receiv- 
ing ‘ backsheesh One  was  an  Abyssinian, 
of  much  lighter  complexion,  and  moire  in- 
telligent, than  the  others ; she  was  held  for 
eighteen  pounds,  while  the  others  were  of- 
ered  for  fifteen  each.  There  was  no  expres- 
sion of  sadness  about  them,  and  they  jumped 
for  joy  when  I proposed  to  purchase  them. 
They  said  they  had  been  stolen  from  their 
homes,  and  expressed  a desire  to  return  to 
them.  In  another  part  of  the  building  we 
saw  a number  of  boys — all  Nubians — very 


92  A MEMORIAL  OF 

black,  with  short,  curly  hair,  looking  very 
much  like  our  negroes  in  America.” 

While  at  Cairo,  Mr.  M inturn  visited  Dr 
Abbot’s  museum,  and  says : “ It  contains 
many  most  interesting  specimens  of  Egyp- 
tian antiquities.  Among  the  most  so  are 
these : a ring  with  the  hieroglyphic  of 
Cheops,  the  founder  of  the  great  pyramid ; 
a necklace  with  the  name  of  Menes,  who 
flourished  2300  b.  c.;  a drinking  cup  of 
the  time  of  Abraham,  another  of  the  time 
of  the  Pharaoh  of  the  Exodus,  and  a 
helmet  and  breastplate,  with  hieroglyphics, 
dated  790  b.  c.  It  was  by  the  discovery  of 
a stone  at  Rosetta,  having  on  it  an  inscrip- 
tion in  Greek,  repeated  in  hieroglyphics 
and  written  letters,  that  a key  is  obtained 
for  the  interpretation  of  the  inscriptions, 
and  has  opened  to  us  most  of  the  knowl- 
edge we  possess  of  the  history  of  Egypt,  as 
recorded  on  the  monuments.” 

“ February  1 ith,  Sunday. — This  day  at- 
tended service  at  the  church  of  Dr.  Leider, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  93 

and  greatly  enjoyed  the  opportunity  of 
worshipping  with  our  excellent  liturgy,  and 
the  good  sermon  which  followed.  The 
Mohammedans  do  not  recognize  our  Sab- 
bath, and  all  manner  of  work  goes  on  as 
usual,  except  with  the  Copts  and  other 
Christians.  Friday  is  the  day  of  rest  and 
worship  with  the  Mohammedans,  but  the 
shops  were  open,  and  there  was  as  much  ap- 
parent activity  on  that  day  as  any  other; 
and  on  my  repeated  visits  to  the  mosques, 
I found  very  few  worshippers  in  them.” 

In  describing  the  oldest  mosque  in 
Cairo,  the  mosque  of  Tyloon,  he  says  : “ It 
is  very  spacious — an  immense  open  square 
surrounded  by  colonnades ; that  one  on  the 
east  side  having  five  rows  of  columns,  sup- 
porting pointed  arches,  showing  that  the 
arch  was  used  here  nearly  three  centuries 
before  it  was  known  in  England.  It  had 
four  minarets,  and  the  staircase  of  one 
winds  on  the  outside.  We  noticed  a beau- 
tiful effect  produced  by  windows  of  clay, 


94 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


formed  into  small  diamond  and  other  pat- 
terns. The  divisions  being  thick  and  deep, 
the  light  was  softened,  and  the  appearance 
quite  as  good  as  stained  glass.  I intend  to 
have  a pattern  of  them  to  carry  to  Amer- 
ica, thinking  them  extremely  well  adapted 
for  churches.” 

Feb.  14th,  he  writes  : “ I never  remember 
a day  of  more  interest ; but  how  shall  I 
describe  these  pyramids,  the  grandest  and 
the  oldest  of  the  works  of  man?  Nothing 
can  be  more  imposing  than  these  artificial 
mountains,  rising  out  of  the  solitude  of  the 
desert.  They  are  only  six  miles  from  Cairo, 
and  are  seen  for  a distance  of  twenty-five 
miles.”  These  have  been  so  often  described 
that  we  will  not  quote  the  dates,  meas- 
urements, and  historical  facts  our  traveller 
faithfully  records. 

“ February  i$tk. — We  commenced  our 
voyage  up  the  Nile.  We  passed  a raft  of 
water-pots  from  Upper  Egypt ; and  in  the 
absence  of  plank  to  make  oars,  they  substi- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


95 


tuted  boughs  of  trees,  the  smaller  branches 
at  the  end  being  bound  together  to  form 
paddles.” 

“ February  i Sth. — This  morning  we  had 
the  gratification  of  seeing  a vessel  come 
down  the  stream  with  the  American  ensign 
flying.  We  immediately  hoisted  ours, 
when  a boat  put  off  bearing  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Spencer,  of  New  York,  and  Mr.  Pratt,  of 
Prattsville,  on  their  return  from  Thebes  to 
Cairo.  It  being  Sunday,  Dr.  Wainwright 
and  myself  joined  in  reading  the  service  foi 
the  day,  and  in  a fervent  prayer  for  our 
dear  families  and  friends. 

“ As  we  sail  along  the  shore,  we  see  the 
women  everywhere  coming  down  to  the 
edge  of  the  river  to  fill  their  water-pots,  and 
it  is  surprising  to  notice  their  skill  in  raising 
and  carrying  them  on  the  top  of  their  heads. 
They  contain  four  to  five  gallons  of  water 
and  are  themselves  quite  heavy ; but  the 
women  walk  off  with  them  poised  on  their 
heads  without  being  touched  by  their  hands.” 


96 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


The  following  extract  shows  that  practi- 
calness which  made  Mr.  Minturn  so  valua- 
ble in  every  emergency  that  might  arise: 
“The  wind  was  strong  from  the  north-west, 
and  the  air  so  filled  with  sand  from  the  desert, 
that  we  could  see  but  a short  distance  ahead. 
The  reis  ordered  both  sails  to  be  furled, 
and  the  boat  put  before  the  wind  under  bare 
poles.  Not  liking  to  lose  so  fine  a wind,  I 
took  the  awning,  and  made  a square  sail , 
which  worked  extremely  well,  and  elicited 
the  applause  of  the  captain  and  crew.  They 
appeared  to  have  had  no  idea  of  a square 
sail  before  this ; nor  have  they  any  arrange- 
ment to  shorten  sail  by  reefing  or  otherwise, 
and  as  their  boats  are  flat,  and  have  no  lee- 
boards,  they  cannot  beat  to  windwards.” 

“ February  20th. — Passed  Gebel  - e - Seyr, 
where  the  rocky  chain  of  the  Arabian 
mountains  runs  directly  along  the  shore  of 
the  river,  and  is  as  perpendicular  as  our  Pal- 
isades. The  side  was  covered  with  ducks, 
which  appear  to  roost  there ; and  on  the 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  97 

summit  is  a convent  of  Copts,  whose  ele- 
vated position  enables  them  to  espy  the 
approach  of  passenger  boats,  when  one  of 
them  swims  off  to  ask  alms.  As  we  ap- 
proached under  full  sail,  the  man  ran  along 
the  shore,  and  the  dragoman  having  told 
him  to  swim  off,  he  threw  his  mantle  on  the 
ground,  and  swam  to  the  boat  with  great 
rapidity.  I gave  him  as  much  money  as  he 
could  carry  in  his  mouth,  when  the  Arab 
boatman  ordered  him  to  leave ; but  as  he 
did  not  move  immediately,  one  of  them 
pitched  him  overboard,  when  he  swam  off 
to  board  another  vessel  astern,  and  from 
thence  he  made  for  the  opposite  shore, 
about  a quarter  of  a mile  distant,  with  a 
strong  current,  and  holding  in  his  hand  a 
cap  which  the  dragoman  had  given  him,  and 
which  he  wished  to  keep  dry. 

“There  is  quite  a large  population  of 
Copts  in  Egypt,  and  they  have  several  con- 
vents on  the  river,  and  two  (St.  Paul  and 
St.  Anthony)  in  the  desert  near  the  Red 


7 


98 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


Sea.  Their  system  is  somewhat  like  the 
Roman  Catholic,  but  they  are  excessively 
ignorant,  superstitious  and  degraded ; and 
with  such  an  exhibition  as  they  make  of 
Christianity,  there  is  no  wonder  that  it  is 
despised  by  the  Mohammedans.” 

Mr.  Minturn’s  early  habit  of  caring  for 
the  sick  was  brought  into  exercise,  as  we 
find  from  this  extract : “ On  looking  into 
the  small  boat,  which  floats  astern  of  us,  a 
few  days  since,  I saw  a bundle  of  clothes, 
as  I thought,  and  enquired  what  they  were ; 
when  I learnt  that  it  was  one  of  the  crew, 
who  had  lain  there  sick  for  two  days  and 
nights.  He  came  on  board  the  large  boat, 
when  we  put  him  under  deck,  and  gave  him 
some  medicine,  followed  by  tea  and  soup. 
Under  this  treatment  he  is  recovering,  and 
expresses  much  gratitude,  saying  that  he 
would  have  been  left  to  die,  if  we  had  not 
cared  for  him.  The  captain  and  the  sailors 
appear  to  be  entirely  indifferent  to  him. 
Everything  that  one  sees  in  this  country, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


99 


leads  to  the  belief  that  the  influence  of 
Mohammedanism  serves  to  increase,  rather 
than  to  check,  the  sensuality  and  selfishness 
of  our  natures. 

“ As  we  were  sailing  along,  one  of  the 
sails  was  taken  aback  by  the  wind,  which 
the  crew  ascribed  to  the  influence  of  an  evil 
eye  upon  it,  and  to  prevent  its  recurrence, 
the  captain  struck  a knife  in  the  mast, 
which  they  fancy  is  a charm  against  such 
mishaps” 

“ February  24 th. — This  morning  we  saw 
the  first  crocodile.  It  was  not  over  six  feet 
long,  and  lay  asleep  on  a sand-bank ; nor 
was  he  aroused,  although  we  passed  quite 
near  him.  The  sick-sack  abound  here,  and 
the  Arabs  have  a pretty  story  in  connection 
with  this  very  pretty  bird.  They  say  that  it 
is  a great  friend  of  the  crocodile,  and  warns 
him  of  the  approach  of  an  enemy.  When 
he  lays  asleep  with  his  mouth  open,  leeches 
lodge  on  his  tongue,  which  the  sick-sack, 
entering,  destroys.  But  sometimes  the 


IOO 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


crocodile,  not  being  aware  of  the  presence 
of  his  friend,  shuts  his  mouth,  and  thus  con- 
fines it ; however,  by  the  means  of  small 
horns  on  the  tip  of  its  wing,  the  crocodile 
is  apprised  of  the  wrong,  opens  his  mouth, 
and  the  bird  escapes.  Dr.  Wainwright  shot 
one  a few  days  since.  It  was  about  the  size 
of  a pigeon,  with  white,  black  and  drab 
feathers  prettily  intermixed.” 

Another  entry,  on  the  same  day,  is  to  the 
following  effect:  “We  have  made  a run  of 
nearly  fifty  miles  to-day — the  best  since  we 
started — all  which  has  been  gained  by  our 
sending  Achmet  ” (their  courier)  “ to  Assi- 
out,  and  avoiding  the  usual  detention  there 
of  twenty-four  hours.  Achmet  says  such  a 
thing  was  never  done  in  Egypt  before,  and 
that  he  shall  not  forget  the  American  les- 
son which  we  gave  him.” 

“ February  25  tk. — We  passed  a boat  load- 
ed with  slaves  from  Nubia,  bound  to  Cairo 
for  a market.  We  knew  them  to  be  slaves 
by  their  colour  being  much  darker  than  the 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


IOI 


Egyptian,  and  their  hair  being  braided. 
They  were  all  from  ten  to  fifteen  years  of 
age,  and  there  were  probably  seventy  to 
eighty  of  them.  They  looked  bright  and 
unconcerned,  but  who  can  tell  their  grief, 
separated  from  parents  and  country,  and 
subject  to  the  passions  of  the  most  un- 
principled masters.” 

“ February  26 tk. — At  10  o’clock,  passed 
Farshiout,  and  its  extensive  steam  machin- 
ery, belonging  to  the  Pacha,  for  grinding 
sugar  cane.  Near  it  I counted  fifteen  pig- 
eon houses,  which  were  as  large,  and  much 
better  looking,  than  the  dwellings  of  the  in- 
habitants of  the  village.  Pigeons  abound 
in  all  the  villages,  and  they  have  houses  ex- 
pressly for  them,  or  little  mud  elevations  for 
them  on  the  top  of  their  huts. 

“ I am  surprised  not  to  see  any  variety 
of  trees  in  Egypt.  They  have  to  import 
from  Europe  most  of  the  wood  that  is  used. 
Charcoal  is  made  from  the  acacia,  which  is 
the  only  tree  we  see,  except  the  palm.” 


102 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


They  arrived  at  Thebes  on  the  2 7th,  after 
a voyage  of  twelve  days,  which  was  remark- 
ably rapid  travelling — almost  unparallelled. 
‘ The  Libyan  mountains  here  come  within 
about  five  miles  of  the  river.  They  are 
composed  of  light-coloured  rocks,  without 
the  least  vegetation  ; and  in  a wild  and  se- 
cluded ravine  are  situated  the  tombs  of 
many  of  the  Egyptian  kings.  It  seemed 
impossible  that  in  so  dreary  and  rough  a 
spot — a mountain  in  a desert,  without  a hu- 
man habitation  near  it — there  could  be  such 
splendid  courts  and  passages  as  were  de- 
scribed to  exist  there ; but  on  entering  that 
opened  by  Belzoni,  which  was  the  first  we 
visited,  we  found  its  magnificence  quite 
equal  to  any  description  we  had  read.  The 
entrance  to  this,  and  to  all  the  other  tombs 
of  the  kings,  is  by  a very  moderate-sized 
and  unpretending  doorway,  with  a few 
hieroglyphics  around  it.  You  first  descend 
by  a steep  stairway,  cut  out  of  the  rock, 
twenty-four  feet,  and  enter  a passage  eight- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  IO3 

cen  long  by  nine  wide,  when  a door  leads 
to  a second  descending  stair  of  twenty-five 
feet,  beyond  which  is  a chamber,  formerly 
closed  on  all  sides,  and  which  appeared 
to  be  the  end  of  the  tomb;  but  a hol- 
low sound  of  the  wall  on  being  struck, 
led  Belzoni  to  believe  there  were  chambers 
beyond  it,  and  having  broken  through  the 
wall,  he  had  the  gratification  of  finding  a 
series  of  chambers  of  greater  beauty  than 
any  that  have  yet  been  discovered. 

“The  next  tomb  we  entered  is  called 
‘ The  Harpers/  from  there  being  upon  it 
representations  of  persons  playing  on  an  in- 
strument precisely  like  the  harp.  This 
tomb  enters  four  hundred  feet  into  the  rock 
by  a gallery  connecting  several  walls,  and 
has  besides  a number  of  side  chambers. 

“ Leaving  this  abode  of  the  mighty  dead, 
we  ascended  the  summit  of  the  mountain 
and  had  a view  of  unspeakable  beauty  and 
interest.  On  one  side  was  the  naked,  life- 
less mountain,  in  whose  gorge  were  the 


104  A MEMORIAL  of 

tombs  we  had  just  visited  ; and  before  us 
was  the  beautiful  valley  of  the  Nile,  which 
is  very  wide  here,  with  the  temples  of 
Medinet  Haboo,  the  Memnonium,  the  two 
colossi,  the  temple  of  Koorneh  on  the 
west  side,  and  opposite  the  mighty  ruins  of 
Luxor  and  Karnac.  The  mountains,  too, 
on  the  Arabian  side,  are  here  quite  peculiar, 
as  they  no  longer  bound  the  river  at  a 
height  nearly  uniform,  but  recede  from  the 
bank,  and  become  depressed,  so  as  to  have 
the  appearance  of  hills,  rising  again  at  the 
south  in  irregular,  broken  peaks.  No  other 
spot  on  earth  can  present  a view  combin- 
ing such  mighty  remains  of  ancient  archi- 
tecture, and  such  beautiful  landscape  and 
water  views  ” 

On  the  28th  February,  Mr.  Minturn 
visited  the  old  temple  of  Koorneh,  and  a 
number  of  the  tombs  of  Orzaseef,  and  he 
says  : “ One  of  these,  the  tomb  of  a priest, 
built  in  the  7th  century  before  our  Saviour, 
is  remarkable  for  its  immense  extent,  the 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  105 

length  of  its  passages  being  862  feet,  and 
the*  excavation  equal  to  23,000  cubic  feet 
of  stone.  Many  of  the  passages  are  at  a 
considerable  descent  from  the  surface,  and 
are,  of  course,  very  dark,  and  are  filled  with 
bats,  who  flew  around  me  in  such  numbers 
as  to  extinguish  my  candle  ; the  odor  they 
impart  to  the  tomb  caused  me  to  be  glad 
to  escape  from  it  as  soon  as  possible.  It  is 
hardly  credible  that  a tomb  of  such  extent 
could  be  prepared  for  one  individual ; yet, 
such  is  the  inference  from  the  hieroglyphics, 
and,  although  not  equal  in  its  decorations 
to  the  tombs  of  the  kings,  it  is  more  ex- 
tensive than  either  of  them. 

“ On  some  of  the  tombs  are  processions 
with  representations  of  the  supposed  career 
of  the  proprietor  after  death  ; and  it  is 
stated  by  those  who  have  studied  the  hier- 
oglyphics carefully,  that  the  idea  of  future 
rewards  and  punishments,  and  of  the  resur- 
rection, are  plainly  portrayed. 

“We  also  visited  to-day  (the  28th)  the 


1 06  A MEMORIAL. 

Memnonium,  as  it  is  called,  but  which  in 
reality  was  the  palace  and  temple  of  ~the 
great  Sesostris,  whose  statue,  which  lies 
broken  near  the  wall  of  the  temple,  is  one 
of  the  great  wonders  of  Egypt,  both  from 
its  size  and  beauty  of  execution,  and  from 
the  marvel  how  such  a mass  of  stone  could 
have  been  broken  without  the  aid  of  gun- 
powder, or  of  the  wedge,  of  which  no 
marks  appear.  It  was  one  block  of  beau- 
tiful red  granite,  seventy  feet  high,  and 
twenty-two  feet  across  the  shoulders  ; and 
was  brought  from  a distance  of  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  miles  up  the  Nile.  Solid 
as  this  mass  was,  it  now  lies  so  broken  to 
pieces,  that  the  form  of  the  arms  and  bust 
alone  are  perfect.  It  weighed  about  eight 
hundred  tons,  while  the  obelisk  at  Paris, 
which  the  French  removed  with  so  much 
difficulty,  weighed  only  two  hundred  and 
forty  tons. 

“ A large  proportion  of  the  pillars  which 
decorated  the  interior  of  the  temple  have 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  107 

fallen,  but  the  sculptures  on  the  walls  are 
very  spirited,  and  represent  the  conquests 
of  Sesostris  over  several  nations,  and  his 
return  to  present  his  captives  and  spoils  to 
the  gods.  One  chamber,  whose  roof  re- 
mains, and  is  covered  with  astronomical 
figures,  is  said  to  have  contained  the  books 
of  Thoth,  and  as  Sesostris  built  this  temple 
I35°  years  before  our  era,  this  is  the  oldest 
library  of  which  we  have  any  knowledge. 
On  the  wall  of  this  room  the  king  is  repre- 
sented sitting  under,  and  overshadowed  by 
the  tree  of  life  ; while  two  gods,  Amnon 
and  Thoth,  write  his  name  on  the  leaves.” 

That  reverence  and  piety  which  were 
such  marked  traits  of  Mr.  Min  turn’s  char- 
acter, leading  him  constantly  to  behold  and 
acknowledge  the  Almighty  power  of  God, 
are  very  visible  in  this  record  of  his  East- 
ern tour. 

“ March  1 st — This  morning  we  went  to 
see  Luxor,  which  is  the  modern  name  of 
Thebes,  and  signifies  the  palaces . Of  its 


io8 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


former  glory  little  now  remains  besides  a 
great  pyramidal  tower  and  two  rows  of 
noble  columns.  One  beautiful  obelisk 
stands  solitary  at  its  front,  its  mate  being 
removed  to  Paris  ; and  the  colossal  statues, 
which  guarded  each  side  of  its  doorway? 
are  now  so  buried  in  sand,  that  the  tops  of 
their  heads  can  alone  be  seen.  From  this 
temple  an  avenue,  guarded  on  each  side  by 
sphynxes,  facing  each  other,  extended  to 
the  great  temple  of  Karnac,  a distance  of 
one  mile  and  a half.  Multitudes  of  these 
sphynxes  now  remain,  all  being  in  a sitting 
posture,  with  bodies  as  large  as  a horse,  but 
not  one  can  be  found  with  its  head  on, 
which,  with  the  destruction  of  the  temple, 
is  ascribed  to  the  power  of  the  Persians 
under  Cambyses.  They  conquered  Egypt 
about  500  b.  c.,  and  the  motive  for  the  im- 
mense labor  which  they  expended  in  break- 
ing up  this  and  the  other  temples  and 
statues  at  Thebes,  is  ascribed  to  their  ven- 
geance at  the  lengthened  resistance  of  the 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


IO9 


city ; but  I have  felt  more  disposed  to  regard 
it  as  the  instrument  of  God  in  breaking  up 
these  renowned  altars  of  a false  worship. 

“ I could  not  repress  a feeling  of  sadness 
in  contemplating  the  ruin  of  this,  the  great- 
est temple  that  man  has  ever  erected,  but  it 
was  silenced  by  the  consideration  that  it 
was  devoted  to  the  impious  worship  of 
deities  of  human  creation ; and  that  its 
fine  architecture,  instead  of  being  an  evi- 
dence of  the  civilization  of  the  people,  is 
only  proof  of  the  high  attainments  of  the 
priests,  who,  it  is  well  known,  monopolized 
all  the  learning  of  the  country,  while  the 
monarchs  drained  the  people  of  their  sub- 
stance, for  the  erection  of  splendid  edifices 
to  perpetuate  their  own  fame  and  gratify 
the  ambition  of  the  priests.  The  whole  soil 
of  the  country  was  possessed  by  the  church 
and  the  state,  and  there  is  no  reason  to 
believe  that  the  people  were  in  any  less 
degraded  and  impoverished  condition  than 
they  now  are. 


I TO 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


“ In  the  morning,  before  visiting  Karnac, 
we  called  to  pay  our  respects  to  the  gov- 
ernor of  Upper  Egypt,  who  happened  to 
be  at  Thebes  in  the  course  of  a tour  to  the 
several  towns  of  his  district.  He  received 
us  very  courteously,  sitting  on  a divan,  with 
a number  of  attendants,  and  immediately 
had  coffee  and  pipes  presented  to  us,  and, 
on  our  rising  to  take  leave,  he  informed  us 
that  he  had  directed  two  of  his  horses  to 
be  brought  out  for  our  use,  and  that  they 
were  at  our  service  as  long  as  we  wished 
them.  We  could  not  refuse  so  polite  an 
offer,  and,  on  reaching  the  door,  we  found 
two  beautiful  Arabian  steeds,  with  Turkish 
saddles,  pistols  in  the  holsters,  and  two 
grooms  to  attend  us,  which  we  were  very 
willing  to  exchange  for  our  donkeys  ; and, 
in  order  to  reciprocate  the  governor’s  po- 
liteness, we  sent  our  dragoman  to  invite 
him  to  dine  with  us  on  board  our  boats* 
Accordingly,  at  six  o’clock  he  made  his 
appearance,  bringing  with  him  a Bedouin 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


I I I 


Sheik,  and  two  other  persons  in  Turkish 
dress  connected  with  the  government.,, 

“ March  2. — This  morning  a message 
came  from  one  of  our  guests  of  yesterday, 
inviting  us  to  dine  with  him.”  A busy  day 
was  passed  in  visiting  and  revisiting  the 
ruined  temples  and  palaces,  and  the  two 
colossal  statues,  that  had  before  interested 
them.  “ Soon  after  our  return  to  the  boat, 
a messenger  arrived  from  Ali  Ega,  the  gen- 
tleman we  were  to  dine  with,  to  say  that 
dinner  was  ready,  which  reminded  me  of 
the  parable  of  our  Saviour,  recorded  in  the 
14th  chapter  of  St.  Luke,  ‘And  he  sent  his 
servant  at  supper-time  to  say  to  them  which 
were  bidden,  come,  for  all  things  are  now 
ready.’  It  is  one  of  the  many  instances  in 
which  we  find  illustrations  of  the  Scripture 
in  the  habits  of  this  country.  Immediately 
on  our  arrival,  our  host  left  us  to  go  to  the 
governor,  who  soon  made  his  appearance, 
attended  by  quite  a suite  of  servants,  soldiers 
and  followers,  and  then  came  with  him  the 


I 12 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


former  governor  and  another  gentleman  in 
Turkish  dress.  For  our  sakes  the  dinner 
was  prepared  in  European  style,  which  I re- 
gretted, as  no  doubt  did  the  other  guests,  as 
the  natives  appeared  to  relish  as  little  our 
dishes  and  knives  and  forks,  as  they  did  the 
day  previous,  and  very  soon  laid  them  down 
to  take  up  pipes  and  segars.  Soon  after 
the  repast  commenced,  men  were  brought  in 
with  musical  instruments,  upon  which  they 
played,  and  three  of  the  singing  girls  of  the 
village  were  soon  after  introduced,  who  sang 
and  danced,  greatly  to  the  amusement  of 
our  Turkish  friends.” 

“ The  governor  was  again  very  polite, 
saying  to  our  dragoman  that  he  wished 
to  converse  with  us ; and  that,  as  he  had 
been  forty  years  in  Egypt,  he  could  prob- 
ably give  us  any  information  we  might 
* desire.  Among  other  questions,  I asked 
him  whether  many  slaves  were  now  brought 
into  Egypt  from  N ubia ; from  which 
he  inferred  that  I wished  to  obtain  one, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 1 3 

and  replied  that  there  were  but  few  here 
now,  the  Pasha  having  taken  thirty  with- 
in a few  days  ; but  that  if  I wished  a boy 
or  girl,  he  would  with  pleasure  send  me 
one.  This,  Achmet  said,  was  intended  for 
a present,  for  the  offer  of  which  I thanked 
him.” 

To  those  who  know  that  a most  intense 
horror  of  slavery  was  one  of  Mr.  M inturn’s 
vital  characteristics,  this  anecdote  is  not  a 
little  amusing. 

The  next  day  they  paid  their  last  visit  to 
Karnac,  and  its  surrounding  objects  of  in- 
terest. “ After  making  a thorough  survey 
of  the  whole,  we  took  a last  look  at  the  two 
beautiful  obelisks,  which  will  always  be  up- 
permost in  my  mind  in  the  thought  of  Kar- 
nac, one  of  which  is  particularly  interesting  as 
a record  of  filial  love,  it  having  been  erected 
nearly  3,500  years  ago,  by  Amensi,  to  the 
memory  of  her  father,  Iothmes  the  first ; 
and  yet  it  looks  as  fresh,  and  the  sculpture 
as  perfect,  as  if  just  finished.  I should 
8 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


114 

remark,  before  leaving,  that  the  village  of 
modern  Thebes  is  very  insignificant — a col- 
lection of  huts  of  unburnt  bricks;  and  on  the 
west  side  of  the  river,  which  formerly  was 
probably  the  most  populous,  almost  the 
only  habitations  at  present  are  the  tombs' 
which  are  occupied  by  a few  miserable 
Arabs.  Most  truly  has  the  Almighty  ‘ ex- 
ecutedjudgment  on  all  the  gods  of  Egypt'. 
The  multitude  of  No  has  been  cut  off  \ 
Pathros  is  desolate,  and  ‘ the  basest  of  the 
kingdoms  ; 7ieither  shall  it  exalt  itself  any 
more  above  the  7iatio7isl  Ezekiel  xxix  1 5.” 

Leaving  this  interesting  spot,  the  end 
of  their  voyage,  they  retraced  their  way  to 
“ Keneh,”  and  crossing  the  river,  visited  the 
celebrated  temple  of  “ Dendera and  on  the 
6th  of  March,  found  themselves  again  at 
Farshiout.  They  now  went  over  the  large 
establishment  of  the  Pasha  for  crushing 
sugar  cane,  “which,”  Mr.  Minturn  writes, 
“ is  growing  in  great  quantities  upon  the 
extensive  estates  of  Ibrahim  Pasha,  in  this 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  I 1 5 

vicinity.  The  machinery  is  in  charge  of 
Mr.  Fox,  an  Englishman,  and  the  refinery 
is  attended  to  by  a Frenchman.  This  estab- 
lishment employs  a great  number  of  per- 
sons, and  the  description  Mr.  Fox  gave  us 
of  the  system  pursued  towards  them,  is  a 
striking  illustration  of  the  barbarous  despot- 
ism of  this  government,  and  of  the  degraded 
condition  of  the  people.  He  says  that  the 
labourers  are  all  pressed  into  the  service 
from  the  surrounding  villages,  and  made  to 
work  for  20  to  25  paras  a day,  which  is 
equal  to  2\  or  2\  cents  of  our  money,  and 
full-grown  boys  have  1 5 paras,  which  is  not 
paid  in  currency,  but  in  molasses  or  other 
unsalable  merchandize,  and  not  given  at 
the  time  the  work  is  done,  but  a month  or 
two  afterward  ; so  that  the  poor  labourers 
generally  sell  the  claims,  realizing  only 
about  half  the  pittance  which  was  promised 
to  them.  For  the  convenience  of  the  per- 
sons who  are  charged  to  bring  up  the  la- 
bourers from  the  villages,  they  have  to  work 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


I 16 

fourteen  hours  without  any  intermission  fci 
sleep ; and  their  food,  which  consists  only  of 
coarse  bread,  brought  with  them,  they  have 
to  eat  as  they  work.  They  are  superintended 
by  the  white  Circassian  slaves  of  the  Pasha, 
who  stand  over  them  with  whips  in  their 
hands,  which  I saw  freely  used  the  little 
time  that  I remained  there ; and  all  around 
the  grounds  were  sentinels,  to  prevent  the 
men  running  away;  and  as  an  additional 
precaution  in  this  respect,  those  whom  they 
suspected  of  a desire  to  escape,  had  wooden 
clogs  fastened  to  their  legs.  Mr.  Fox  as- 
sured us  that  there  would  be  no  difficulty 
in  having  plenty  of  voluntary  labourers,  if 
they  would  only  pay  them  the  most  mod- 
erate remuneration  for  their  labour.  He 
stated  that  Ibrahim  Pasha  had  passed  a 
fortnight  at  the  factory,  when  it  was  first 
put  into  operation,  passing  a large  portion 
of  the  night  in  the  mill,  to  see  that  it  went 
on  properly.  On  one  occasion,  when  he 
was  there,  Mr.  Fox  discovered  that  a man 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


II  7 


had  been  caught  in  the  machinery  and  was 
killed,  upon  which  he  stopped  it  to  extri- 
cate the  body.  The  Pasha  inquired  the 
cause  of  the  stoppage  ; and  being  informed, 
said  that  was  of  no  consequence,  and  or- 
dered the  mill  to  be  set  in  motion  immedi- 
ately. He  is  described  as  having  been 
excessively  avaricious,  and.  although  more 
wealthy  than  his  father,  and,  indeed,  the 
chief  proprietor  of  Egypt,  was  discontented, 
because,  as  he  said,  he  found  in  England 
men  no  older  than  himself  much  richer 
than  he.  Miserable  wretch  ! he  has  gone 
to  his  last  account,  having  died  a few 
months  since,  and  is  succeeded  by  his 
nephew,  Abbas  Pasha.  His  system  is,  how- 
ever, continued  by  his  executors ; and  Mr. 
Fox  informed  us  that  his  lands  are  culti- 
vated in  the  same  manner  that  his  factory 
is  worked. 

“ This  is  only  one  of  the  many  evidences 
I have  seen  that  the  present  government 
of  Egypt,  although  it  has  excited  the  ad- 


1 18 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


miration  of  Europe  by  its  introduction  of 
machinery  and  steam-boats,  giving  facilities 
for  the  transit  of  travellers,  and  organizing 
a powerful  army  and  navy,  has  not  done 
anything  towards  ameliorating  the  condi- 
tion of  the  people,  but,  on  the  contrary, 
they  are  now  more  oppressed  and  poor  than 
ever.  Nothing  can  exceed  their  ignorance 
and  the  wretchedness  of  their  hovels;  and 
every  man  I meet  has  an  eye  put  out,  a 
finger  cut  off,  or  some  bodily  mutilation  in 
hope  of  escaping  conscription  for  the  army. 
In  the  boat  in  which  we  crossed  the  river 
from  the  sugar  factory,  were  eight  men, 
seven  of  whom  had  a finger  cut  off ; and  in 
another  boat  which  followed,  were  eleven, 
all  of  whom,  but  one,  were  maimed  in  the 
same  manner.  The  people  are  extremely 
docile  and  willing  to  work  hard,  for  the 
smallest  pay  and  scantiest  fare  ; and  the 
fertility  of  the  soil  cannot  be  exceeded,  but 
it  is  miserably  cultivated,  as  might  be  ex- 
pected, under  the  baneful  system  of  ab- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  I 1 9 

senteeism  and  oppression  which  is  carried 
on  here.” 

Another  entry,  dated  March  1 ith,  at  Beni 
Hassen,  gives  similar  testimony  to  the  ill- 
usage  and  scanty  fare  of  the  Arab  sailors. 
Mr.  Minturn  writes:  “ I am  confident  that 
injustice  is  done  to  these  Arabs  by  those 
who  call  them  lazy,  and  that  it  is  only  ne- 
cessary to  present  the  hope  of  reward,  and 
that  in  a very  moderate  degree,  to  obtain 
the  greatest  amount  of  exertion  and  self- 
jdenial.  Their  food  is  chiefly  hard  bread, 
and  occasionally  beans,  except  when  we 
treat  them  to  mutton.  They  have  to  pick 
up  fuel  as  they  can  on  the  shore  and  prepare 
their  own  meals,  which  they  always  despatch 
in  ten  or  fifteen  minutes ; they  sleep  on  the 
deck  of  the  boat,  wrapped  up  in  cloaks, 
unless  the  shore  is  sandy,  when  they  prefer 
making  their  beds  there.  Besides  the  toil 
which  they  undergo  and  the  miserable 
wages  they  receive  (being  only  about  fifty 
piastres^  or  two  dollars  and  twenty-five 


120  A MEMORIAL  OF 

cents  a month,  finding  themselves)  they 
are  constantly  liable  to  be  seized  for  the 
army,  navy,  or  the  boats  of  any  Pasha  or 
Bey  who  may  need  sailors.  An  illustration 
of  their  exposure  in  this  respect  occurred 
while  we  were  at  Girzeh,  where  one  of  our 
men  having  gone  on  shore,  was  seized  and 
dragged  on  board  the  boat  of  some  Turkish 
officer.  As  soon  as  we  were  informed  of 
the  circumstance  we  started  in  pursuit,  de- 
termined to  assert  the  right  of  the  flag  of 
our  country  to  protect  the  persons  in  our 
employ,  but  before  we  had  proceeded  far, 
we  were  met  by  our  dragoman,  who  in- 
formed us  that  the  man  had  been  liberated 
upon  his  representing  that  he  belonged  to  a 
traveller's  boat ; but  for  that  he  would  have 
been  kept  as  long  as  the  Turk  needed  his 
service,  and  then  turned  adrift  without  any 
pay,  and  left  to  find  his  way  home  as  best 
he  could.  Nothing  can  exceed  the  disre- 
gard of  this  government  to  the  rights  and 
welfare  of  the  people.  Its  policy  is  per- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


I 2 I 


fectly  selfish  and  heartless,  and  directed  en- 
tirely to  gratifying  the  ambition  and  increas- 
ing the  wealth  of  the  reigning  family.” 

The  object  of  our  travellers  in  stopping 
at  Beni  Hassen  was  to  visit  the  tombs  near 
this  desolated  village.  They  “ are  the  most 
ancient  of  the  kind  in  Egypt,  having  been 
built  in  the  reign  of  the  Pharaoh  of  Joseph, 
seventeen  centuries  b.  c.  A great  advan- 
tage,” Mr.  Min  turn  says,  “ in  viewing  these 
tombs  over  all  others,  is  that  not  being  sunk 
in  the  rock,  they  are  perfectly  light.  It  is 
like  passing  from  the  street  into  the  cham- 
ber of  a dwelling-house,  the  door  being  open 
and  admitting  as  much  light  as  can  be  de- 
sired. 

“ On  one  of  the  walls  there  is  a drawing 
of  a house,  probably  the  only  existing  repre- 
sentation of  a dwelling  of  that  period.  It 
has  two  stories,  with  three  windows  in  the* 
side  below,  and  two  above,  part  of  the  up- 
per story  being  taken  for  an  open  platform, 
and  very  much  resembling  a modern  house 


122 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


in  which  we  dined  at  Thebes.  The  stairs 
are  on  the  outside,  and  some  men  are  as- 
cending' them  with  sacks  on  their  heads, 
while  the  master  of  the  house  stands  on  the 
platform  to  receive  them.  I cannot  express 
the  delight  with  which  I examined  the  re- 
presentation of  the  social  life  of  this  ancient 
people  as  depicted  on  the  walls  of  Beni 
Hassen.  The  illustrations  are  so  clear  that 
they  cannot  be  mistaken ; and  I could  fancy 
myself  sitting  in  a company  of  people  three 
thousand  five  hundred  years  ago,  while  they 
were  engaged  in  their  trades,  their  agricul- 
ture, and  their  amusements.” 

“ March  12 th.  At  eleven  o’clock  we  came 
to  Gebel-e-Seyr,  where  the  perpendicular 
sides  of  the  Arabian  mountains  form  the 
boundary  of  the  river,  and  on  the  summit 
of  one  stands  a Coptic  monastery.  We 
soon  saw  the  inmates  collecting  on  the  crest 
of  the  mountain  overlooking  the  river,  and 
immediately  three  of  them  threw  off  their 
mantles,  and,  running  with  wonderful  rapid- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


123 


ity  down  the  precipitous  sides  of  the  moun- 
tain, they  plunged  into  the  water  and  swam 
to  our  boat.  Although  not  well  pleased  to 
see  Christians  exhibit  themselves  in  this 
manner  before  Mahometans,  we  gave  them 
a sum  of  money  in  consideration  of  the 
hospitality  which  they  practice  to  way- 
faring men  who  pass  the  monastery.  One 
of  them  wanted  an  empty  bottle,  which  we 
gave  him,  when  discovering  that  it  had  con- 
tained spirits  he  kept  himself  afloat  near  the 
boat  a long  time,  begging  by  motions  of  his 
hand  and  mouth  that  we  would  give  him  a 
taste  ! it  was  surprising  to  see  the  ease 
with  which  he  kept  himself  afloat,  frequent- 
ly holding  both  hands  out  of  the  water. 

“ Soon  after  leaving  them  we  passed  an 
immense  flight  of  locusts,  proceeding  in  a 
compact  body  and  filling  the  air  as  far  as 
we  could  see.  They  are  much  like  those  I 
have  seen  in  America,  and  the  Arabs  eat  all 
that  fall  in  their  way.  They  are  no  doubt 
such  as  formed  the  food  of  John  the  Bap- 


124 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


tist,  when  in  the  wilderness  he  lived  on 
locusts  and  wild  honey.  When  they  come 
early  in  the  season  they  are  very  destructive 
to  the  young  wheat.  Their  flight  is  from 
the  South,  following  the  Nile  to  the 
N orth.” 

On  the  14th  they  came  in  sight  of  Cairo, 
and  the  next  few  days  were  passed  in  re- 
visiting its  environs  and  in  making  prepara- 
tions for  crossing  the  Desert  to  visit  the 
Holy  Land. 

“ March  21st.  Leaving  Cairo,  we  stop- 
ped at  the  mosque  of  El  Gohree,  which  was 
erected  in  the  eleventh  century,  and  has 
some  Cufic  inscriptions,  and  then  proceeded 
to  Heliopolis,  the  On  of  Scripture,  and 
which  was  the  Oxford  of  Egypt.  Being 
one  of  the  cities  doomed  to  destruction  for 
its  idolatry,  nothing  now  remains,  even  to 
show  its  site,  but  one  noble  obelisk,  which 
was  erected  in  the  reign  of  the  Pharaoh  of 
Joseph’s  time.  It  is  now  buried  several  feet 
in  the  ground,  but  it  is  entirely  perfect  and 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


125 


the  deep  sculptures  in  its  side  as  clear  as 
when  made,  except  that  they  are  the  homes 
of  innumerable  bees  who  have  filled  most 
of  them  with  honey.  It  stands  alone  in  a 
garden  belonging  to  an  Armenian,  and  there 
are  no  other  remains  of  this  celebrated  city 
except  extensive  mounds  of  brick  and 
broken  pottery.  It  was  here  that  Joseph 
married  the  daughter  of  the  priest  of  On} 
and  where  Moses  was  taught  in  all  the 
learning  of  the  Egyptians.  It  was  also  here 
that  Plato  studied,  and  in  the  time  of  Strabo 
the  house  was  shown  in  which  he  resided 
thirteen  years. 

“ The  balsam  or  1 balm  of  Gilead  ’ was 
brought  into  Egypt  from  Judea  by  Cleo- 
patra, and  for  a long  time  was  cultivated  at 
Heliopolis,  but  it  is  no  longer  found  there. 
Near  this  place  is  shown  a sycamore  tree, 
very  old  and  large  (about  twenty  feet  in 
circumference),  under  which,  tradition 
states,  the  Holy  Family  rested  on  their 
flight  into  Egypt.” 


126 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


“ March  2 $rd.  At  our  encampment  we 
were  joined  by  a party  of  six  natives  of 
Punjab,  India,  who  had  been  to  Mecca, 
and  are  now  on  the  way  to  Jerusalem,  that 
being  also  regarded  by  the  Moslems  as  a 
very  holy  place.  One  of  them  is  an  old 
man  with  a white  beard  and  sandals  on  his 
feet ; leaning  on  a staff  he  has  quite  a patri- 
archal appearance.  They  walk  quite  as  fast 
as  our  camels,  and  want  to  keep  company 
with  us ; at  night  they  collect  shrubs,  and 
make  a little  fire  and  lie  around  it.  Their 
bed  is  the  sand,  and  they  have  no  covering 
but  the  clothes  they  travel  in  ; their  only 
baggage  is  a jar  of  water  and  a little  bread. 
They  are  very  poor,  and  have  walked  all 
the  way  from  India  and  expect  to  walk 
back.” 

“Sunday,  25 th  March.  Rose  early  and 
started  at  half-past  seven  o’clock.  We  read 
the  morning  service  on  our  camels.  The 
route  was  over  hills  of  soft  sand,  and  in  the 
valleys  were  occasionally  clumps  of  date 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


127 


trees.  At  three  o’clock  we  reached  Catiek, 
where  is  a well  about  fifteen  feet  deep,  with 
a large  trough  built  by  Ibrahim  Pasha  for 
his  army,  and  where  we  watered  our  camels. 
They  had  not  had  any  water  for  six  days, 
and  drank  nearly  two  gallons  each.  In 
winter  they  can  go  eight  days  without 
water,  and  in  summer,  three.” 

“ March  26 th.  Our  Arabs  baked  some 
bread  to-day,  using  flour  and  water  and  lay- 
ing the  cake  over  coals  on  the  sand.  It  is 
their  only  food,  and  it  is  surprising  how 
little  suffices  them.  They  sleep  on  the 
ground  without  any  covering,  with  a dew 
upon  them  so  heavy  that  it  drops  off  our 
tent  in  the  morning,  and  the  cloth  is  con- 
stantly wet.  They  turn  out  before  daylight 
in  the  morning,  but  eat  nothing  until  about 
nine  o’clock,  when  they  take  a piece  of 
bread,  not  much  larger  or  thicker  than  a 
sea-biscuit,  and  go  on  walking  steadily  till 
near  sunset  without  any  additional  food  un- 
til the  camels  are  taken  care  of  after  dark, 


128 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


when  they  have  another  piece  of  bread  each. 
Our  progress  is'  about  twenty-six  miles  a 
day,  which  they  make  cheerfully  on  foot. 
One  of  them,  Abdallah,  is  quite  a wag,  and 
gives  us  much  amusement.  He  complained 
this  evening  of  sore  feet,  when  I offered  him 
a pair  of  French  shoes,  which  he  looked  at 
but  laid  down,  saying  that  everybody  who 
saw  them  would  know  they  had  been  given 
to  him,  but  that  if  I would  buy  a pair  for 
him  at  Gaza,  he  would  be  glad  ” 

“ April  ist.  The  first  of  Passion-week. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Spencer  and  Mr.  Pratt,  our 
two  American  companions,  joined  us  to-day 
in  the  impressive  services  of  the  church,  but 
the  quarantine  regulations  would  not  admit 
of  our  English  friends  meeting  with  us.  I 
trust  the  contemplation  of  the  great  humili- 
ation and  sufferings  of  our  blessed  Redeem- 
er on  the  spot  which  witnessed  his  agony, 
will  deepen  my  appreciation  of  this  ines- 
timable sacrifice,  with  renewed  resolution  to 
strive  so  to  walk  hereafter,  that  his  death  on 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 29 

the  cross  on  my  behalf  may  not  have  been 
in  vain.” 

“ April  $tk.  Left  our  encampment  at  five 
o’clock,  on  horses,  and  after  two  or  three 
hours  we  joined  the  road  from  Ramla  to 
Jerusalem.  Soon  after  starting  we  found 
ourselves  among  small  hills,  and  at  nine 
o’clock  we  began  to  enter  the  mountain 
passes — the  range  which  lies  between  the 
Jordan  and  the  Mediterranean  and  forms 
the  ‘hill  country  of  Judea.’  The  road  lay 
the  whole  remaining  distance  through  these 
mountains,  none  of  which  rise  very  much 
above  others,  but  have  a succession  of 
rounded  tops,  and  there  is  a gradual  rise  to 
the  summit  level  on  which  Jerusalem  is 
situated.  The  road,  which  is  the  greatest 
highway  in  Syria,  is  a mere  path  for  mules 
and  camels,  extremely  rough  and  sometimes 
so  steep  that  we  thought  it  more  prudent 
to  dismount  and  walk.  There  is  not  a car- 
riage road  in  Syria,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  a 
single  vehicle  of  that  description  is  pos- 


9 


130 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


sessed  in  the  whole  country.  On  several 
of  the  mountain-tops,  villages  are  seen,  giv- 
ing an  illustration  of  the  parable  ‘ of  a city 
set  on  a hill/ 

“We  saw  the  Mount  of  Olives,  with  the 
Church  of  the  Ascension  on  its  summit,  and 
soon  after  the  Holy  City  came  in  full  view> 
with  the  mountains  of  Moab  beyond  the 
Jordan  in  the  distance.  Within  a quarter 
of  an  hour  we  were  under  the  walls,  which 
look  formidable  and  entirely  enclose  the 
city,  and,  being  in  good  repair,  they  do  not 
give  you  the  impression  of  great  antiquity, 
and  you  feel  as  if  you  were  entering  a modern 
city.  We  entered  the  Jaffa  gate  through 
a massive  tower,  probably  of  the  times  of 
the  Crusaders,  and  soon  found  ourselves  in 
very  narrow  streets.  We  went  to.  the  hotel 

of  Mr.  M , a converted  Jew,  where  we 

found  very  good  accommodations. 

“It  being  the  eve  of  Good  Friday,  we 
took  a guide  and  went  to  the  outskirts  of 
the  city,  beyond  St.  Stephen’s  gate,  and  had 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 3 I 

in  full  view  the  brook  of  Cedron,  over 
which  our  Saviour  passed  to  the  garden  of 
Gethsemane,  which  lies  near  to  it,  at  the 
foot  of  the  mount  of  Olives. 

“ The  spot  is  marked  by  a wall  enclosing 
a number  of  ancient  olive  trees ; and  there 
is  no  question,  from  the  Scripture  descrip- 
tion of  the  garden,  being  ‘ over  the  brook 
Cedron/  and  ‘ on  the  mount  of  Olives/ 
that  it  was  here  our  Saviour  ‘ sweat  great 
drops  of  blood/  and  endured  the  bitter  ago- 
nies of  our  redemption. 

“ A pril  6 th. — Good  Friday.  W e went  to 
the  wailing  place  of  the  Jews.  It  is  part  of 
the  foundation  wall  which  supports  the  side 
of  the  mount  Moriah,  on  which  stood  the 
temple.  The  stones  are  of  immense  size, 
and  look  as  if  they  might  have  remained 
there  from  the  time  of  Solomon ; and  if 
not  then  in  their  present  position,  they  are 
undoubtedly  stones  of  the  foundation  wall  of 
the  ancient  temple.  Here,  for  nearly  eight- 
een centuries,  the  Jews  have  assembled  every 


132 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


Friday  to  wail  over  the  fallen  condition  of 
their  nation.  They  kiss  the  wall,  and  those 
that  were  there  when  I was,  about  thirty  in 
number,  read  from  the  Bible  or  the  Talmud  ; 
one  book  I saw  open  was  at  the  Psalms, 
46th  to  50th.  There  are  said  to  be  about 
five  thousand  Jews  in  Jerusalem,  mostly  of 
German,  Polish,  Russian  and  Spanish  ori- 
gin. They  are  generally  men  of  some  cul- 
tivation in  Hebrew  law,  and  come  here  to 
die  in  the  land  of  their  fathers. 

“In  the  walls  near  the  place  of  wailing, 
there  are  remains  of  the  spring  of  an  arch, 
which  would  indicate  that  there  had  former- 
ly been  a connection  between  the  temple 
and  Mount  Zion. 

“It  was  an  affecting  sight  to  see  the  Jews 
of  all  ages,  and  many  of  them  very  old,  in 
the  position  of  lamentation,  with  low  and 
plaintive  voices,  praying  to  the  God  of 
their  fathers  to  turn  His  face  toward  the 
neglected  vine,  which  He  fostered  with  ex- 
ceeding care ; and  it  recalls  the  yet  unful- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


133 


filled  prophecy  of  Isaiah,  xl.  2 : ‘ Cry  unto 
her  that  her  warfare  is  accomplished,  and 
her  iniquity  pardoned/ 

“In  the  evening  we  went  to  the  church  of 
the  Holy  Sepulchre,  and  found  its  great 
floor  filled  with  pilgrims.  Around  the 
walls  of  the  church  are  chapels,  which 
are  said  to  be  built  over  spots  connected 
with  the  events  of  the  crucifixion ; and  we 
found  the  Latin  patriarch,  with  a procession 
of  monks,  carrying  a cross,  with  a figure  of 
our ’Lord  nearly  as  large  as  life,  and  a crowd 
of  spectators  gathered  before  them.  The 
first  was  the  stone  and  pillar  of  flagellation, 
a large  piece  of  which  is  kept  in  a cell  near 
the  door  of  the  chapel,  where  a sermon  was 
given  in  Spanish,  touching  the  scourging  of 
our  Lord.  Thence  they  proceeded  in  sol- 
emn order  to  the  spot  where  they  suppose 
our  Lord  was  secured  whilst  the  soldiers 
made  ready  for  the  crucifixion.  Here  like- 
wise they  sang  a hymn,  and  a sermon  was 
preached  in  French.  Thence  they  went  to 


134 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


the  altar  ‘ of  the  division  of  Christ’s  gar- 
ments,’ where  there  was  another  sermon. 
The  same  took  place  at  the  ‘ chapel  of  di- 
vision from  this  they  ascended  the  steps 
which  lead  to  the  spot  of  the  crucifixion. 
Here  there  are  two  chapels ; and  that  to 
which  the  procession  first  went,  is  where 
our  Lord  is  supposed  to  have  been  nailed 
to  the  cross.  They  laid  the  great  crucifix 
on  the  floor,  and  went  through  a ceremony 
similar  to  that  of  nailing  on  the  body,  when 
another  hymn  was  sung,  and  a sermon  de- 
livered. They  then  carried  the  crucifix  to 
the  adjoining  chapel,  where  it  was  placed 
on  the  spot  where  the  crucifixion  is  sup- 
posed to  have  taken  place.  Here  was  an- 
other hymn  and  sermon.  About  a yard  and 
a half  from  this  spot,  is  a great  rent  in  the 
rock,  which  is  supposed  to  be  that  made  by 
the  earthquake  at  the  time  of  the  crucifix- 
ion, and  which  has  the  appearance  of  being 
natural.  After  the  sermon  was  ended,  two 
friars,  the  one  personating  Joseph  of  Alima- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 35 

thea,  and  the  other  Nicodemus,  approached 
the  cross,  and  with  a most  solemn  and  con- 
cerned air,  drew  the  nails,  and  took  down 
the  feigned  body  from  the  cross.  It  is  an 
effigy  so  contrived  that  its  limbs  are  flexi- 
ble, and  the  pretended  mourners  bent  down 
the  arms,  and  disposed  them  in  the  manner 
usual  for  corpses ; after  which  it  was  laid  in 
a large  winding  sheet,  and  carried  to  the 
stone  of  unction,  followed  by  the  same  pro- 
cession as  before..  Here  odours  and  spices 
were  thrown  over  the  body,  and  after  an- 
other sermon,  it  was  deposited  in  the  holy 
sepulchre,  when  the  ceremonies  ended. 

“The  holy  sepulchre  is  covered  with 
marble,  so  that  you  do  not  see  any  of  the 
natural  rock ; so  are  also  the  other  parts  of 
Calvary  connected  with  the  passion  of  our 
Lord;  but  the  tombs  of  Joseph  of  Arima- 
thea,  and  of  Nicodemus,  are  cut  out  of  the 
stone. 

“ April  1 1 th. — This  morning  we  went  to 
Bethlehem,  which  is  about  two  hours,  or 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


136 

seven  miles,  south  of  Jerusalem.  On  the 
way,  we  passed  the  village  where  the  proph- 
et Joel  is  supposed  to  have  resided,  some 
distance  to  our  right ; and  near  the  road  is 
the  spot  indicated  as  the  tomb  of  Rachel, 
over  which  is  a Moslem  mosque. 

“ Bethlehem  is  beautifully  situated  on  a 
hill,  and  as  of  old,  is  surrounded  by  its 
‘ towers  and  wine  presses/  the  former  being 
places  for  watching  the  vineyards.  The 
hillsides  are  terraced,  and  planted  with  vines 
and  olives.  It  has  about  three  thousand  in- 
habitants, who  are  nearly  all  Christians. 

“ The  place  of  the  nativity  of  our  blessed 
Saviour,  is  covered  with  a church  and  con- 
vent. Under  the  floor  is  shown  the  spot 
where  this  greatest  of  all  events  is  supposed 
to  have  occurred.  In  a grotto  near  by,  is 
said  to  have  been  the  manger  in  which  the 
babe  was  laid.  There  is  no  tradition  more 
ancient  than  that  respecting  this  place.  A 
church  has  stood  over  it  since  the  fourth 
centuiy,  and  two  grottoes  near  by  were  the 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


137 


residence  of  Eusebius  and  St.  Jerome,  who 
long  dwelt  on  this  sacred  spot ; and  the 
emperor  Hadrian,  who  was  in  Palestine 
only  about  one  hundred  years  after  the  death 
of  our  Saviour,  finding  the  sanctity  attached 
to  this  place,  sought  to  discredit  it  by  erect- 
ing a shrine  and  a statue  to  Adonis,  and  ded- 
icating the  place  to  his  worship.  About  a 
mile  east,  in  a green  valley,  is  shown  the 
place  where  the  shepherds,  watching  at 
night,  heard  the  glad  tidings  of  great  joy. 
It  is  a lovely  spot,  and  it  was  delightful  to 
contemplate  it.” 

“ April  13th. — To-day  we  rode  to  the 
tombs  of  the  judges,  which  lie  north  of  the 
city,  and  are  plain  chambers  cut  in  the 
rock ; returning,  we  saw  what  are  called 
the  tombs  of  the  kings,  but  they  evi- 
dently belonged  to  the  time  of  the  Romans 
We  then  proceeded  down  the  valley  of  Je- 
hoshaphat,  to  the  garden  of  Gethsemane, 
and  were  fortunately  able  to  obtain  admis- 
sion within  the  wall.  There  are  eight  olive 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


138 

trees  exhibiting  great  age,  and  they  are 
doubtless  successors  of  those  which  stood 
there  at  the  time  of  our  Lord.  Near  by  is 
shown  the  rock  on  which  the  disciples  are 
said  to  have  slept,  when  our  Saviour  was 
betrayed.  We  again  ascended  the  Mount 
of  Olives,  and  entered  what  are  called  the 
tombs  of  the  prophets,  which  are  large  sep- 
ulchres cut  out  of  the  solid  rock.  A little 
higher  up  are  twelve  arched  vaults,  under- 
ground, built  in  memory  of  the  spot  where 
the  apostles  are  said  to  have  composed  the 
creed.  We  sat  some  time  on  the  top  of 
the  mount,  enjoying  the  view  of  the  city, 
lying  directly  opposite  and  below  us ; of 
the  Dead  Sea,  and  of  the  surrounding  coun- 
try. At  the  south,  distant  perhaps  a mile, 
is  the  hill  or  ‘ mount  of  evil  counsel,’  said  to 
have  been  the  spot  where  the  ‘ chief  priests 
and  elders  took  counsel  to  put  Jesus  to 
death.’  We  went  repeatedly  around  the 
sides  and  over  the  summit  of  the  Mount  of 
Olives ; as,  besides  the  beauty  and  compre- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


139 


hensiveness  of  the  view  from  it,  no  place 
about  Jerusalem  is  so  associated  with  the 
life  of  our  Saviour.  We  now  stood  upon  it 
for  the  last  time,  and  had  many  melancholy 
thoughts  in  leaving  it.  The  spot  where 
stood  the  fig  tree,  cursed  for  its  unfruitful- 
ness, we  had  seen  on  our  previous  visit.” 

“ The  valley  of  Hinnom  unites  with  that 
of  Jehoshaphat,  further  up  the  latter  valley, 
and  near  the  tomb  of  Absalom  and  Je- 
hoshaphat, is  the  favorite  burying  place  of 
the  J ews ; the  hill-side  is  covered  with  flat 
stones,  marking  their  graves.  Old  men 
come  here  from  all  parts  of  Europe,  to  die 
in  the  Holy  City,  and  be  laid  in  the  valley 
of  Jehoshaphat.  It  is  the  practice  of  Mo- 
hammedan women  to  throw  stones  at  the 
monument  of  Absalom  as  they  pass.  We 
saw  it  done  by  a number  who  passed  while 
we  were  there.” 

They  left  Jerusalem  on  the  14th  of 
April,  and  passing  through  Gibeah,  Bireh, 
and  Beitin,  they  encamped  for  the  night  at 


140 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


Sinjil.  The  next  day  was  Sunday,  and 
after  remaining  in  their  tents  until  noon, 
they  visited  “ Shiloh”  “It  was  here,”  says 
Mr.  Minturn,  “that  the  ark  and  tabernacle 
were  first  set  up  after  the  country  had  been 
subdued  by  the  Israelites,  and  where  it  con- 
tinued in  the  days  of  Joshua,  during  the 
ministry  of  the  Judges,  and  until  the 
close  of  Eli’s  life.  It  was  here  Samuel  was 
dedicated  to  God,  and  passed  his  youth  in 
the  sanctuaiy.  There  was  a feast  to  the 
Lord  yearly  in  Shiloh,  in  honour  of  the 
sanctuary.”  From  Shiloh  they  went  to 
Hawara,  and  then  entered  the  “valley  of 
Sychem.” 

“ This  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  por- 
tions of  the  Holy  Land.  Abraham,  when 
he  entered  Canaan,  came  first  to  the  plain 
of  Sychem — the  oaks  of  Moreh.  Here 
Jacob  bought  a parcel  of  ground  of  Ha- 
mor,  the  father  of  Shechem,  and  built  a 
well  in  it,  and  dwelt  here  with  his  family, 
and  at  his  death  he  left  the  field  to  his  son 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  141 

Joseph.  The  valley  is  only  about  1500 
feet  wide,  and  the  mountains — Gerizim  and 
Ebal — 500  feet  high.  It  was  here  that  the 
Israelites  were  directed  by  Moses  to  assem- 
ble after  they  should  cross  the  Jordan,  and 
the  tribes  being  divided,  six  on  each  moun- 
tain side,  they  were  to  repeat  the  blessings 
and  the  curses  which  God  had  pronounced 
upon  them.  It  was  also  in  this  valley  that 
the  whole  nation  was  assembled  by  J oshua, 
shortly  before  his  death,  and,  when  meeting 
them  for  the  last  time,  he  called  upon 
them,  ‘ Choose  you  this  day  whom  ye  will 
serve.’  Great  as  is  the  interest  imparted  by 
these  associations,  there  is  one  far  tran- 
scending them,  as  it  was  by  the  well  of 
Jacob  at  the  entrance  of  this  valley, 
that  our  Saviour  sat,  when  wearied  with 
his  journey  from  Jerusalem  to  Galilee,  and 
uttered  to  the  poor  woman  of  Samaria 
those  truths  which  were  to  break  down  the 
barrier  between  J ew  and  Gentile : ‘ God  is 
a Spirit,  and  they  that  worship  him,  must 


142 


A MEMORIAL. 


worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.’  I 
rolled  off  the  stone,  and  entered  the  cham- 
ber over  the  well,  the  opening  to  which  is 
a hole  through  the  rock,  only  about  as 
large  as  my  body,  and  throwing  a stone, 
found  there  was  still  water  in  it.  It  is  one 
hundred  and  five  feet  deep.  Near  it  is  the 
tomb  of  Joseph,  whose  body  was  brought 
out  of  Egypt  by  the  Israelites  and  buried 
at  this  place.” 

The  next  two  days,  April  1 6th  and  1 7th, 
were  passed  in  visiting  Sebaste,  the  ancient 
Samaria,  Jeba,  Jenin,  Jezreel,  and  other 
interesting  places. 

The  last  record  made  in  this  journal  is 
at  Shumea,  where  the  prophet  Elisha  re- 
sided, in  the  house  of  the  Shunamitish 
woman  whose  son  he  raised  from  the  dead. 
Our  extracts  have  been  more  than  sufficient 
to  show  not  only  the  physical  and  mental 
energy  of  Mr.  Minturn,  but  his  deep  relig- 
ious feeling,  the  elevation  and  the  practical 
benevolence  of  his  entire  character. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Returning  from  the  East,  Mr.  Minturn 
and  Dr.  Wainwright  met  their  respective 
families  at  Civita  Vecchia.  They  had  left 
Rome  under  the  escort  of  Captain  Hunter, 
of  the  U.  S.  Navy,  passing  through  the 
French  army,  then  besieging  Rome.  It 
was  a joyful  meeting  after  the  dangers  that 
had  been  encountered  on  both  sides  ; and 
in  the  latter  part  of  May,  the  two  re-united 
families  proceeded  to  Naples.  There,  and 
in  the  neighborhood,  they  saw  all  that  was 
of  most  interest.  Italy  was  arrayed  in  its 
gorgeous  summer  beauty ; and,  as  they 
posted  north,  they  visited  some  of  the  old 
cities  on  the  way,  but  were  obliged  to  fore- 
go Venice,  then  in  a state  of  siege.  The 

(M3) 


*44 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


plains  of  Lombardy, — well  watered  by  the 
clear,  cool  streams  that  flow  down  from  the 
Alps — delighted  them,  with  their  dignified 
rows  of  poplars,  and  graceful  vines  hanging 
in  festoons  from  tree  to  tree.  Notwith- 
standing the  hot  sun,  these  mountain 
streams  kept  a constant  verdure  and  fresh- 
ness. They  passed  into  Switzerland  just 
at  the  time  of  harvest,  and  watched  the 
hard-worked  peasant  women,  tramping  down 
from  the  heights,  with  heavy  baskets  of  hay 
on  their  backs. 

From  Switzerland  they  proceeded  to 
Germany,  where,  after  settling  his  family 
at  Homberg,  Mr.  M inturn  visited  all  the 
principal  cities.  He  was  much  interested 
at  Eisenach,  and  sought  out  every  spot 
connected  with  Luther.  In  travelling  he 
always  met  with  intelligent  persons,  ready 
to  converse,  and  was  much  pleased  with 
the  affability  and  courtesy  of  the  German 
manners.  Their  custom  of  greeting  a 
stranger  with  some  kind  phrase  of  welcome 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 45 

or  adieu  in  a car,  or  a steamboat,  or  at  the 
table  of  a hotel,  struck  him  most  pleasantly. 
At  Augsburg  he  was  interested  in  the 
“ Fugger  family,”  and  visited  the  comforta- 
ble stone  cottages,  built  by  its  founder, 
which  still  stand  as  a testimony  of  the 
benefit  and  proper  use  of  wealth.  At 
Brussels  he  inquired  minutely  into  the 
working  of  the  hospital  there ; for,  as  we 
have  before  noticed,  those  institutions  that 
had  for  their  object  the  amelioration  of  the 
race,  were  always  the  first  in  his  attention 
and  regard. 

In  the  autumn,  Mr.  Minturn  and  his 
family  re-visited  England,  and  renewed  the 
pleasant  associations  of  the  previous  year. 
They  then  returned  home  to  New  York. 
A happy  return  after  an  absence  of  eigh- 
teen months,  for  the  large  close  circle  of 
relatives  was  found  unbroken ; not  one 
had  been  removed  on  either  side.  The 
long  family  rockaway  came  to  take  the 
travellers  all  up  to  their  home,  and  the  aged 


10 


146 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


mother  once  more  embraced  her  son,  full 
of  joy  to  find  his  health  renewed  for  duty. 

The  next  winter  was  passed  in  much 
social  intercourse.  Conversation  often  turn- 
ed upon  the  difference  between  our  own 
country  and  city,  and  those  abroad  ; and 
the  remark  was  often  made  that  there  was 
no  want  of  our  city  so  great  as  a large  park 
for  walking  and  driving.  One  evening  at 
Mr.  Robert  Ray's,  this  remark  was  echoed 
by  Mr.  Frederick  Prime,  and  a decision 
was  made  at  once  to  call  a meeting  of  gen- 
tlemen, to  discuss  the  idea.  They  met  at 
Mr.  Mint  urn’s  ; a site  was  chosen,  a large 
and  beautiful  grove  on  the  East  River,  and 
legislative  action  taken  to  secure  it.  Af- 
terward it  was  deemed  better  to  take  the 
land  not  yet  built  upon  in  the  upper  part 
of  Manhattan  Island,  and  the  Central  Park 
has  been  the  result. 

In  unpacking  the  large  boxes  of  curiosi- 
ties and  souvenirs  that  arrived  from  Egypt, 
two  pistols  were  found  that  had  been  used 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  147 

by  Dr.  Wain wright  and  Mr.  M inturn  in 
crossing  the  desert.  These  had  been  in 
charge  of  the  dragoman,  who  was  left  to 
load  and  unload  them.  Mr.  M inturn  di- 
vided their  possessions,  and  sent  one  of  the 
pistols  to  Dr.  Wainwright,  while  he  kept 
the  other  himself.  His  eldest  son  carried 
it  up  to  the  large  playroom,  in  which  each 
of  the  children  had  their  own  especial  quar- 
ter. A few  days  after,  when  they  were 
amusing  themselves,  the  brother,  in  true 
boy  fashion,  pointed  the  pistol  at  his  sister, 
and  pulled  the  trigger.  A ball  glanced 
across  her  forehead,  making  an  ugly  wound, 
and  then  sank  deep  into  the  surbase  of  the 
room.  Mrs.  M inturn  had  been  taking  a 
morning’s  walk,  and  was  met  at  the  door 
by  her  friend,  Mrs.  Susan  Rogers  Remsen, 
who  had  been  sent  for  on  the  moment  of 
the  accident.  It  was  a great  shock  to  both 
parents,  and  the  narrow  escape  occasioned 
the  deepest  gratitude.  As  a memento  of  the 
event,  a small  missionary  box,  with  the  date 


148 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


and  an  appropriate  text  of  Scripture,  was 
placed  on  the  library  table.  • 

In  the  spring  of  1850,  Mr.  Minturn 
went  to  Newport  to  look  for  a summet 
residence,  but  not  finding  what  he  wanted, 
he  bought  from  Mr.  Constant  a pleasant 
home  at  Hastings,  on  the  Hudson,  called 
Locust  Wood.  The  family  took  possession 
of  it  .in  the  summer,  and  there  their  fifth 
daughter  was  born. 

This  was  Mr.  M inturn’s  favorite  resi- 
dence until  his  death.  His  delight  was  to 
keep  it  in  the  most  perfect  order ; to  see 
that  the  lawn  was  smoothly  trimmed,  that 
every  unsightly  -object  was  removed,  and 
that  the  fine  old  trees  — which  gave  an 
English  aspect  to  the  home  scene — should 
have  their  branches  opened  here  and  there, 
to  give  a vista  to  the  Palisades  in  one  di- 
rection, in  another  to  the  Bay  of  New 
York  and  Staten  Island.  On  a clear  day 
this  island  and  its  neighboring  city  are 
visible,  looking  southward,  a distance  of 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


149 


between  twenty  and  thirty  miles  ; while  on 
the  north,  the  noble  river  widens  into  what 
the  old  Dutchmen  named  the  Zuyder  Zee, 
a lake-like  expanse,  subject  to  such  sudden 
squalls,  that  in  olden  times,  when  our  fore- 
fathers would  make  the  voyage  from  New 
York  to  Albany  (which  then  would  at 
times  take  from  fifteen  to  twenty  days), 
they  thought  it  wise  to  make  their  wills 
before  leaving  home. 

Mrs.  M inturn’s  parents  and  sisters  formed 
part  of  their  large  and  happy  household 
here  for  two  years,  when  Mr.  M inturn  pur- 
chased a house  for  them,  very  near  his  own, 
in  the  city.  His  wife’s  friends  and  relatives 
were  his,  and  more  than  one  can  trace  their 
well-being  and  prosperity  in  life  to  his  kind 
and  generous  aid. 

But  about  this  period  an  occurrence  took 
place  which  greatly  impaired  his  activity  of 
body  and  buoyancy  of  spirit.  We  find  in 
his  note-book  the  following  paragraph : 
“ February  20th , 1852. — I was  rendered 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


150 

very  ill  by  eating  part  of  a partridge,  pois- 
oned by  the  laurel  berry.  I had  passed 
the  day  in  the  country,  and  returning  at 
seven  took  supper  alone.  About  half-past 
ten  I was  attacked  with  pain  and  dizziness, 
and  soon  became  cold  and  insensible,  and 
for  nearly  three  hours  no  pulse  at  the  wrist 
or  movement  of  the  heart  could  be  discov- 
ered. My  dear  wife  acted  with  great  de- 
cision and  energy,  and  sent  for  Doctors 
Delafield,  Hoffman  and  Peters.  I owe 
much  to  her  prompt  action,  and  I trust 
that  I may  never  lose  the  impression  of 
God’s  great  mercy  in  sparing  my  life,  and 
that  it  may  be  a daily  subject  of  thanks- 
giving.” 

Mr.  M inturn  was  left  very  weak ; but 
recovered  in  a few  days,  to  the  great  joy 
, of  his  family  and  friends,  who  had  suffered 
intense  anxiety.  This  illness,  although 
short,  lessened  his  vital  energy,  and  from 
chat  time  it  became  necessary  that  he  should 
seek  change  of  air  and  scene  much  more 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN  1 5 I 

frequently  than  before.  But  it  was  a cause 
of  gratitude  to  him,  for,  leading  as  it  did  to 
rest  and  retirement,  it  induced  him  to  re- 
flect more  deeply  and  seriously  upon  the 
things  which  belong  to  our  everlasting 
peace. 

In  May,  Mrs.  Minturn  accompanied  him 
on  an  excursion  to  the  Cumberland  Moun- 
tains, where  they  sought  a spot  of  the 
greatest  seclusion  for  the  repose  he  so  much 
needed.  While  there,  he  found  that  the 
daughter  of  the  family  where  they  boarded, 
very  respectable  and  well  educated  people, 
was  engaged  to  be  married  to  a man  who 
was,  the  parents  thought,  beneath  her  in 
life,  and  therefore  but  partially  counten- 
anced. As  they  would  do  but  little  for 
her,  Mr.  Minturn  interested  himself  on  her 
behalf,  and  drove  here  and  there  about  the 
country,  purchasing  one  article  after  an- 
other, until  the  happy  girl  possessed  a com- 
plete outfit,  and  then  did  all  in  his  power 
to  reconcile  the  parents  to  the  marriage 


152 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


Thus,  wherever  he  went,  he  always  found 
some  opportunity  for  active  benevolence  ; 
and  it  was  seldom  that  any  chance  acquain- 
tance was  not  the  better  and  happier  for 
meeting  him. 

Throughout  this  summer,  Mr.  M inturn’s 
health  was  very  uncertain,  and  in  the  autumn 
a heavy  trial  awaited  him.  The  little  daugh- 
ter of  six  summers,  to  whose  death  we  have 
before  alluded,  fell  a prey  to  scarlet  - fever, 
making  the  first  breach  in  the  happy  home- 
circle.  This  was  succeeded  by  much  illness 
and  sorrow ; but  every  affliction  was  borne 
with  patience  and  serenity,  for  as  his  prayer 
had  formerly  been — ■“  Lord,  what  wilt  thou 
have  me  to  do,”  so  now  it  was,  “ Lord,  teach 
me  to  bear,”  and  his  favourite  text  was, 
“ Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace  whose 
mind  is  stayed  upon  thee.”  In  the  autumn 
he  met  with  a severe  accident.  While  has- 
tening from  his  counting-house  to  act  as 
pall-bearer  at  the  funeral  of  a friend,  he 
stepped  on  a piece  of  iron,  which  rebound- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 53 

ed  and  struck  his  leg  so  severely,  that  al- 
though he  persevered  in  the  duty  he  war 
about  to  perform,  he  suffered  intense  agony 
and  was  laid  up  for  two  months.  It  was 
not  a dreary  confinement,  however ; he  was 
fond  of  reading,  and  the  views  from  his 
couch  near  the  window  of  the  river  and  the 
Palisades,  in  their  October  colouring  and 
dreamy  haze,  caused  him  many  an  hour  of 
quiet  enjoyment.  He  kept  a list  of  the 
friends  who  came  to  see  him  at  that  time, 
and  never  failed  to  visit  them  in  any  sick- 
ness or  trouble. 

In  the  November  of  this  year  his  young- 
est son  was  born.  The  following  January 
we  find  this  entry  in  his  note -book  : “ My 
mother-in-law  departed  this  life  to-day. 
Her  end  was  most  tranquil,  and  her  con- 
sistent Christian  course  gives  us  the  most 
blessed  of  all  assurances,  that  she  is  prepared 
for  the  resurrection  of  the  just.” 

April  29th,  1853,  this  memorandum  is 
found  : “ Concluded  the  purchase  from  J.  J. 


154 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


Giles  of  a plot  of  six  lots  of  land,  between 
Mott  and  Elizabeth  Streets,  immediately 
north  of  Walker  Street,  upon  which,  in  con- 
nection with  several  other  gentlemen,  by  an 
association  under  the  general  building  law, 
it  is  proposed  to  erect  model  dwellings  for 
the  industrious  poor.  It  is  designed  for  the 
benefit  of  respectable  coloured  persons,  that 
class  being  greatly  in  want  of  comfortable 
dwellings.” 

In  the  spring  of  1855,  Mr.  M inturn  and 
his  eldest  daughter  visited  Cuba,  in  com- 
pany with  Mr.  Horatio  Allen  and  Miss 
Allen.  This  excursion  gave  him  great  en- 
joyment, and  he  met  with  a cordial  recep- 
tion from  friends  of  long  standing,  among 
them  Don  Gonsalvo  Alfonzo.  Mr.  Minturn 
had  learned  to  know  and  value  this  excellent 
man  on  his  visits  to  the  North,  when  his 
ideas,  far  in  advance  of  those  of  his  fellow- 
countrymen,  and  his  ardent  desires  for  the 
abolition  of  slavery  in  Cuba,  met  Avith  a 
warm  sympathy.  Mr.  Minturn  visited  his 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


155 


country  place,  where,  notwithstanding  the 
advanced  views  of  Don  Alfonzo,  and  his 
efforts  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  his 
owrl  people,  the  habits  of  the  country  in 
reference  to  slaves  were  such  that  his 
visitor  could  find  no  rest.  The  sound  of 
the  sugar-mills  going  all  the  night,  and  the 
snapping  of  the  whip  so  distressed  him,  that 
the  next  morning  he  made  an  apology  for 
leaving  so  soon  and  returned  to  town.  He 
crossed  from  Cuba  to  Charleston  ; passed  a 
few  days  in  that  city,  visited  some  of  its 
most  prominent  men,  and  returned  home 
laden  with  books  on  the  cotton  kingdom. 
But  these  writings  could  not  do  away  the 
effect  of  one  visit  to  a sale  pf  slaves,  where 
he  saw  one  poor  old  woman  sold  for  fifty 
dollars,  and  where  a bright  young  girl  of 
eighteen,  put  up  on  the  block  before  the 
spectators,  caught  his  benevolent  expression 
of  face,  and  cried  to  him,  “ Buy  me,  massa, 
buy  me ! ” 

In  November  his  son  Robert  sailed  for 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


. Australasia  and  China,  and  was  absent  from 
home  eighteen  months.  The  succeeding 
January,  Mr.  M inturn’s  sister-in-law,  Eliza, 
who  was  as  dear  as  an  own  sister,  died  after 
a long  and  painful  illness.  We  find  among 
his  papers  a hymn,  the  last  lines  of  which 
she  struggled  to  utter  in  her  dying  hour: 

t(  Send,  oh,  my  God,  some  angel  down. 

Though  to  a mortal  eye  unknown. 

To  guide  and  guard  my  doubtful  way 
Up  to  the  realms  of  endless  day.” 

Thus  did  the  clouds  of  bereavement  and 
care  seem  to  darken  for  a while  the  sky 
that  had  been  so  uniformly  bright. 

His  son  J ohn,  who  had  left  home  for  Eng- 
land during  the  summer  of  1856  to  pass  the 
college  vacation,  was  attacked  by  illness. 
He  went  over  to  Paris  to  join  his  aunt 
Mary,  and  travelled  with  her  to  Italy. 
While  in  Naples,  Miss  M inturn  died  sud- 
denly. This  was  the  sister  of  whose  fond 
affection  for  her  brother,  and  of  his  faithful 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


157 


care  of  her,  we  have  before  spoken.  Mr. 
William  Aspinwall  and  his  family  were  in 
Naples  at  this  time,  and  Mr.  Aspinwall  act- 
ed as  a friend  and  brother  on  the  occasion, 
advising  Mr.  M inturn  to  come  over  to  his 
son.  Accordingly,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Minturn, 
with  three  of  their  children,  sailed  in  the 
Fulton  for  Havre  in  April.  Their  son 
Robert,  returning  from  the  East,  heard  at 
Cairo  of  his  brother’s  illness  and  joined  him 
at  Naples  ; and  by  the  time  the  journey 
from  America  had  been  accomplished  by 
the  anxious  parents,  both  brothers  were  in 
Paris  to  meet  them,  the  invalid  fast  regain- 
ing his  strength. 

Of  course  the  re-union  was  a doubly  joy- 
ful one,  now  that  sore  anxieties  were  ex- 
changed for  unexpected  mercies.  A few 
weeks  were  spent  delightfully  in  Paris, 
which  had  improved  wonderfully  during 
the  ten  years  that  had  elapsed  since  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Minturn’s  last  visit.  A wild  piece 
of  forest  in  its  environs  had  been  cor  verted 


158  A MEMORIAL  OF 

into  the  present  beautiful  Bois  de  Boulogne, 
and  magnificent  hotels  and  palaces  erected 
in  spacious -streets  that  had  not  then  been 
even  planned.  The  summer  was  spent  in 
Switzerland,  parts  of  Germany,  Belgium, 
and  Holland,  and  then  the  happy  party 
returned  in  safety  home. 

Just  before  leaving  Liverpool,  a letter 
had  been  given  to  Mr.  M inturn  from  Mrs. 
Guthrie  (a  friend  whose  acquaintance  he 
had  made  on  the  Nile  some  years  previous- 
ly), introducing  a young  English  couple 
who  were  going  to  the  United  States. 
These  made  so  pleasant  an  addition  to 
their  party  on  board,  that  when  they  reach- 
ed the  other  side,  Mr.  Minturn  persuaded 
them  to  go  at  once  with  his  family  to  their 
home  on  the  Hudson.  Everything  there 
had  been  prepared  in  beautiful  order,  and 
the  warmest  welcome  awaited  them  from 
the  cherished  sister,  who,  by  her  unselfish 
devotion  and  energy,  was  ever  ministering 
to  the  happiness  of  the  family.  Home  had 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


159 


never  seemed  sweeter.  Empty  places  were 
filled  again  by  those  who  had  long  been 
absent,  and  who  knew  the  value  of  home, 
after  months  of  travel,  illness,  and  exposure 
to  danger  of  various  kinds.  The  family  re- 
mained in  the  country  until  after  Christmas. 
The  grown-up  children  attracted  troops  of 
friends  of  their  own  age,  while  the  large 
circle  of  relatives,  the  frequent  visits  of 
strangers,  who  were  always  treated  with  the 
warm  hospitality  Mr.  M inturn  knew  so 
well  how  to  extend,  made  the  house  a scene 
of  constant  festivity. 

But  amid  all  this  cheerfulness,  Mr.  M in- 
turn never  forgot  to  exercise  a Christian  in- 
fluence which  was  operating  for  good  in 
many  more  hearts  than  he  then  was  aware 
of.  A young  foreigner  who  was  at  this 
time  a very  constant  visitor,  wrote  to  one 
of  the  family  after  the  death  of  Mr.  M in- 
turn — “A  few. words  said  by  him  at  morn- 
ing prayers,  left  a deep  impression  on  me, 
and  shall  never  be  forgotten.  May  we  all 


160  A MEMORIAL  OF 

be  allowed  the  grace  of  leading  such  an 
exemplary  and  useful  life  as  his.” 

From  that  period,  Mr.  Minturn  was  the 
companion  and  friend  of  his  elder  children. 
His  sons  were  associated  with  him  in  busi- 
ness, and  his  daughters  were  his  relaxation 
and  delight.  They  accompanied  him  in  all 
his  walks  and  drives,  and  made  frequent  ex- 
cursions with  him  to  the  sea-side  or  to  the 
mountains.  His  health  was  never  again 
what  it  had  been,  although  he  found  bene- 
fit from  change  of  air  and  scene. 

His  interest  in  his  friends  was  always  in- 
tense, but  now  it  began  to  be  more  marked 
than  ever,  evidencing  a concern,  not  so 
much  for  their  present  interests,  as  for  their 
future  well  being,  which  was  of  so  much 
more  importance  in  his  estimation.  We 
find,  at  an  earlier  date,  that  he  had  been  con- 
sulting his  friend  Dr.  J.  Smythe  Rogers, 
about  some  book  to  be  put  into  the  hands 
of  a young  friend  who  was  expressing  scep- 
tical opinions.  We  quote  Dr.  Rogers’  note, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  ,l6l 

as  it  gives  comfort  to  those  who  feel  the 
same  solicitude  that  Mr.  Minturn  then  felt : 
“ My  dear  Minturn  : 

“ You  will  recollect  that,  during  our  ride 
last  evening,  I mentioned  ‘ Scott’s  Force  of 
Truth  ’ with  approbation.  I think  you  will 
be  much  pleased  with  its  perusal,  (its  home- 
ly garb  notwithstanding,)  as  tending  to 
show  that  a sincere  enquirer  after  truth, 
how  great  soever  may  be  his  errors  at  the 
outset,  has  no  reason  to  doubt  that  the 
promise  will  be  fulfilled,  ‘ He  that  seeks 
me  early  ’ — earnestly — ‘ shall  find  me or, 
in  the  present  case,  I should  say,  that  the 
friends  of  those  who  thus  seek,  may  be  as- 
sured that  success  will  in  the  end  attend  the 
search.  I do  not  approve  of  all  the  views 
of  the  writer  of  this  little  volume,  nor  of 
the  excellent  person  to  whom  its  letters 
were  addressed ; still,  there  is  such  an  evi- 
dence of  sincere  and  earnest  search  after 
the  truth,  and  so  striking  an  illustration  of 
the  fulfillment  of  the  promise  to  those  who 


ii 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


162 

‘ ask/  that  it  may  afford  encouragement  not 
only  to  the  seeker,  but  to  the  friends  whose 
anxieties  are  awakened  in  their  behalf. 

“ Ever  yours,  J.  S.  R.” 

We  recollect  the  delight  Mr.  M inturn 
expressed,  on  one  occasion,  at  having  met 
a young  German  friend,  to  whom  he  was 
much  attached,  who  had  been  brought  by 
affliction  to  seek  the  truth,  and  who,  know- 
ing Mr.  M inturn's  interest  in  him,  had  called 
to  tell  him  of  the  change,  saying,  “ I have 
learned  to  pray.” 

Many  years  since,  when  a considerable 
portion  of  the  interests  of  Mr.  Minturn’s 
mercantile  house  was  in  whaling  vessels,  on 
the  departure  of  one  of  these  ships  for  a 
voyage  of  two  or  three  years,  feeling  the 
risk  and  danger  to  which  it  was  exposed, 
Mr.  Minturn  spoke  a word  of  admonition 
to  the  captain.  Some  years  after  this,  the 
captain  wrote  to  Mr.  Minturn,  to  ask  the 
names  of  his  children,  and  the  dates  of  their 
birth ; and  then  had  them  engraved  on  one 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 63 

side  of  the  large  ivory  tooth  of  a whale,  and 
on  the  other  a record  in  verse  of  its  story 
This  monster  of  the  deep  had,  in  its  death 
struggle,  stove  in  the  captain’s  small  boat, 
so  that  he  was  in  great  peril.  During  the 
agitation,  feeling  that  his  life  must  be  lost, 
the  last  words  of  Mr.  Minturn  came  back 
to  his  memory ; and  when  danger  was  over, 
and  life  seemed  to  be  given  again,  they  im- 
pressed him  still  more  deeply,  and  he  be- 
came a changed  man.  The  ivory  tooth  is 
carefully  preserved  as  a memorial  of  this  in- 
teresting incident. 

Mr.  Minturn  was  much  attached  to  an 
old  Jewish  gentleman,  a Mr.  Solomons,  of 
whom  he  used  to  say,  that  he  was  “a  Na- 
thanael without  guile.”  Many  notes  from 
this  person  to  his  young  Gentile  friend  are 
found,  expressive  of  his  affection  and  re- 
spect. 

No  difference  of  religious  creed  or  of  po- 
sition in  life  affected  Mr.  M inturn’s  regard 
for  his  friends.  His  truth  and  fidelity  was 


164  A MEMORIAL  OF 

sometimes  testified  in  a way  that  is  not  as 
frequent  as  it  should  be.  A clergyman  of 
the  church,  to  whom  he  was  warmly  at- 
tached, possessed  unusual  social  attractions, 
and  was  much  sought  for  as  a guest  at  din- 
ner parties.  Mr.  M inturn  constantly  meet- 
ing him  on  these  occasions,  became  con- 
vinced that  the  influence  of  his  clerical 
friend  was  in  a measure  impaired  by  being 
too  often  in  gay  and  worldly  company,  and 
therefore  wrote  him  an  affectionate  note  on 
the  subject.  This  was  as  affectionately  re- 
ceived. The  clergyman  immediately  called 
to  thank  him,  and  the  latter  years  of  his 
life  were  marked  by  devotion  in  every  par- 
ticular to  his  Master’s  work  and  honour. 
As  another  instance  of  Mr.  M inturn’s  cour- 
age and  fidelity,  we  may  state  that  he 
addressed  a strong  letter  of  counsel  and 
admonition  to  a public  individual,  whom 
he  feared  was  tempted  to  carry  out  a meas- 
ure from  motives  he  might  afterwards  re- 
gret ; which  letter  we  have  reason  to  know 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 65 

was  thoroughly  effective  in  preventing  the 
proposed  measure.  The  study  of  his  own 
heart  taught  him  to  see  and  to  sympathize 
with  the  dangers  to  which  others  might  be 
exposed,  and  the  well  balanced  judgment 
he  possessed,  enabled  him  to  avoid  these 
dangers  himself,  and  to  advise  others  how 
to  pass  them  by.  Every  word  of  advice, 
however,  every  friendly  reproof,  was  given 
with  a voice  and  manner  so  loving  and 
genial  that  no  offence  was  ever  taken. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


In  October,  1859,  Mr.  Minturn’s  eldest 
daughter  was  married  to  Mr.  Thomas 
Charles  Baring,  and,  after  the  marriage, 
sailed  with  her  husband  for  England,  ac- 
companied by  her  brother  John.  Mr.  Min- 
turn’s second  daughter  now  became  more 
constantly  his  companion,  and  passed  many 
hours  in  reading  aloud  to  him,  as  symptoms 
of  disease  in  the  eyes,  from  which  he  after- 
wards suffered,  began  to  trouble  him. 

About  this  time  a diary  was  placed  on 
the  table  of  the  drawing-room,  in  which 
household  events  were  entered  as  they  hap- 
pened, with  the  arrival  and  departure  of 
friends,  kindred,  or  strangers  from  abroad. 

Bishop  Horatio  Potter,  who  performed  the 

(166) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 67 

marriage  service  for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Min  turn, 
was  from  that  time  a frequent  guest  at  their 
house.  He  passed  the  first  winter  of  his 
bishopric  with  them  in  the  city,  and  the 
week  before  Mr.  M inturn’s  death,  dined  at 
his  table  with  his  son,  Robert  Minturn 
Potter.  This  youth  died  the  summer  fol- 
lowing the  death  of  Mr.  Minturn,  his 
“ name-father ,”  as  the  Germans  call  it. 

From  the  household  diary  alluded  to,  we 
quote  a few  incidents. 

“ June  2nd , i860. — Silver  wedding.  A 
delightful  day.  Sister  and  children  orna- 
mented the  rooms  with  flowers,  and  sent 
the  parents  away  for  a drive  while  the 
arrangements  were  completed.  After  din- 
ner Von  H.  played  the  Wedding  March. 
Arm-chairs  were  raised  on  a dais,  con- 
structed for  the  occasion,  and  then  the 
pretty  and  useful  silver  presents  were  of- 
fered. Fire-works  in  the  evening.” 

“ June  \th. — Mr.  and  Mrs.  Minturn, 
Anna  and  Edith,  left  for  Philadelphia  and 


1 68 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


the  coal  regions  of  Pennsylvania,  and  en- 
joyed a charming  trip  in  that  romantic 
region.  Visited  Mr.  Minturn’s  old  friend, 
Mr.  Hutchinson,  and  attended  the  double 
weddings  of  his  daughter  and  son.” 

“ August  Stk.  — Mr.  M inturn  went  to 
Boston  to  meet  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Baring 
and  her  husband,  on  their  return  from 
England.” 

“ August  2 ist. — Left  for  Canada  with 
Anna  and  Edith.”  During  their  absence 
Mr.  M inturn  had  been  appointed  one  of 
the  committee  to  wait  on  the  Prince  of 
Wales,  (at  that  time  making  his  tour  in 
the  United  States  and  Canada),  and  offer 
him  the  hospitality  of  the  City  of  New 
Y ork.  This  appointment  permitted  him 
to  see  more  than  he  otherwise  would  of 
the  party  accompanying  the  prince,  a cir- 
cumstance that  added  much  to  the  pleasure 
of  the  trip,  which  was  completed  by  the 
1 2th  of  September. 

“ September  14 th. — The  happy  event  of 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 69 

the  birth  of  the  first  grandchild,  Charles 
Cuthbert  Baring.”* 

“ September  21  st. — Mr.  Minturn’s  mother 
came  to  pay  us  a visit,  in  a very  feeble 
state  of  health.” 

“ One  month  later,  went  to  town  to  at- 
tend the  ball  given  in  honour  of  the  prince. 
Some  of  the  party  from  Canada  returned 
with  us  to  pass  a couple  of  days.” 

“ November  *]th. — Abraham  Lincoln,  of 
Illinois,  was  this  day  elected  President  of 
the  United  States,  by  the  Republican  party, 
and  entirely  by  votes  of  the  non-slave- 
holding States. 

As  soon  as  the  result  of  the  election  be- 
came known,  the  State  of  South  Carolina 
indicated  through  the  action  of  its  legisla- 
ture, and  by  the  speeches  of  prominent 
politicians,  that  the  State  would  endeavor 

* This  darling  boy  nestled  in  the  hearts  of  the  family  five 
and  a half  years,  and  then,  with  his  beautiful  brother  Robert 
Minturn,  aged  two  years  and  a half,  followed  their  grand- 
father to  his  eternal  home,  in  so  short  a time  after  his  death, 
that  it  became  one  great  sorrow. 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


170 

to  effect  a dissolution  of  the  Union  ; and, 
it  appearing  that  Georgia,  Florida,  Alabama 
and  Mississippi  sympathized  with  the  move- 
ment, great  apprehensions  were  created. 
The  currency  of  the  southern  banks  be- 
coming contracted,  they  drew  upon  the 
N orth  for  specie,  which  led  to  a rapid  con- 
traction here,  and  ended  in  a financial 
panic,  which  rendered  the  value  of  rail-road 
shares  15  to  20,  and  U.  S.  government 
stock  fell  to  95.  Exchange  on  England 
declined  to  par.  Flour,  grain,  cotton  and 
colonial  produce  declined  fully  ten  per  cent., 
and  the  operations  of  commerce  became 
almost  suspended. 

“On  Monday,  the  19th,  only  ten  days 
after  the  agitation  commenced,  the  pressure 
for  money  became  so  intense,  that  discounts 
were  almost  impossible,  and  it  was  evident 
that  neither  the  banks  nor  the  merchants 
could  sustain  themselves  many  days  longer. 
On  the  day  above  mentioned,  the  bank 
officers  met,  and  agreed  that  they  would 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  I 7 1 

relieve  the  exchange  market  by  purchasing 
£500,000  Stirling  of  bills  on  London.  This 
movement  gave  such  confidence  to  bill- 
buyers,  that  they  purchased  so  freely  as  to 
relieve  the  market,  and  render  purchases  by 
the  banks  unnecessary.  The  pressure  for 
discount  continued  unabated,  and  the  de- 
mands upon  the  banks  became  so  severe, 
that,  by  Wednesday,  the  21st,  it  became 
evident  that,  without  some  measures  of  re- 
lief were  adopted,  they  would  have  to  sus- 
pend specie  payments.  This  led  to  a 
meeting  of  the  bank  officers,  at  which  it 
was  agreed  that  the  weak  banks  should  be 
assisted,  and  common  stock  made  of  all  the 
coin  in  their  vaults,  amounting  to  about 
nineteen  millions  of  dollars.  The  effect  of 
this  novel,  and  as  the  event  proved  it,  most 
judicious  measure,  was  a large  increase  of 
bank  discounts,  which  relieved  the  embar- 
rassments of  the  merchants,  and  gradually 
the  rates  of  interest  declined,  confidence 
was  restored,  prices  of  stock  and  produce 


172 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


advanced,  and  the  financial  crisis  was  passed, 
although  the  political  difficulties,  from 
which  it  arose,  remained  unabated.” 

In  April,  1861,  the  first  gun  was  fired  on 
Fort  Sumter,  by  the  South,  and  that  gun 
echoed  through  every  house  and  heart  in 
the  North.  Up  to  that  moment,  the  men 
of  the  North  could  not  believe  in  the  sui- 
cidal step  that  was  taken  by  their  Southern 
brethren,  bound  to  them  by  every  tie  of 
interest  and  duty.  It  was  no  doubt  a judi 
cial  blindness,  that  was  permitted  by  the 
Arbiter  of  events  to  close  the  eyes  of  the 
truly  good — aye,  the  truly  Christian  men 
of  the  South,  who  were  not  only  willing  to 
keep  the  sin  of  slavery  in  their  camps,  but 
were  also  willing  to  give  ear  to  those  ambi- 
tious politicians,  who  intended  to  make  it 
the  corner-stone  of  an  immense  fabric  of 
government. 

This,  in  their  overweening  thirst  for  pow- 
er, they  began  to  build,  when  it  toppled  o^er 
and  crushed  them  in  its  fall. 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 73 

Even  in  the  face  of  continued  evidence 
that  treasonable  plots  and  machinations 
were  going  on  in  the  South,  northern  men 
could  not,  and  would  not  believe  the  sad 
fact,  until  the  telegraph  announced  that  the 
dreadful  first  step  was  taken.  Then  the 
earth  seemed  to  slip  away  beneath  their  feet ! 
And  after  the  shock  came  the  rally  from 
every  hearth  and  household  that  were 
stanch  to  our  government  and  its  institu- 
tions. Some  there  were,  unfortunately, 
whose  sympathies  were  with  the  institu- 
tion of  slavery;  southern  politicians  had 
been  persuaded  that  they  had  a large 
party  at  the  North.  In  this  they  were 
mistaken,  for  though  the  number  was  suffi- 
cient to  complicate  our  troubles,  it  was  so 
completely  overborne  by  the  loyal  strength 
of  the  majority,  that  it  might  be  said  one 
heart  and  one  hand  were  raised  to  face  the 
terrible  certainty  that  they  must  take  up 
arms  against  their  brethren. 

It  was  a grievous  struggle  of  four  long 


174 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


years  : began  at  the  North  with  no  prepara- 
tion, while  those  with  whom  they  had  to 
contend  for  many  years  had  been  planning 
the  desperate  enterprize.  They  held  many 
of  the  most  important  offices  under  the 
central  government  at  Washington,  as  well 
as  the  highest  positions  in  the  army  and 
navy,  and  had  been  for  months  and  years 
collecting  arms  and  ammunition. 

A friend  of  Mr.  Min  turn’s  who  was  in 
Savannah  the  winter  of  i860  and  ’61,  told 
him  that  as  she  went  to  and  from  church  on 
Sunday,  she  saw  in  the  basement  of  a large 
building,  men  making  cartridges,  working 
day  and  night  ; while  processions,  with 
“War  to  the  death”  on  their  banners,  were 
constantly  parading  through  the  streets. 
This  was  in  anticipation  of  the  election  of 
a President  whose  views  were  opposed  to 
Slavery. 

In  the  midst  of  this  trouble  every  one  at 
the  North  looked  to  England  for  sympathy 
and  support,  never  doubting  that  a power 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 75 

which  had  made  such  sacrifices  for  the  cause 
of  freedom  would  rally  to  their  aid. 

When  the  answer  was  given,  “We  will 
be  neutral,”  the  feeling  in  every  heart  was 
akin  to  that  sorrow  and  disappointment 
which  we  realize  when  a friend  proves  him- 
self a stranger  in  adversity.  This  neutrality 
was,  in  fact,  positive  aid  to  the  South,  and 
greatly  prolonged  the  struggles.  Although 
this  contest  for  power  and  slavery  at  the 
South  — for  our  Constitution  and  the  de- 
struction of  slavery  at  the  North,  lasted 
four  tedious  years ; yet  in  the  darkest  hour 
loyal  hearts  never  questioned  the  result. 

Mr.  M inturn’s  large  acquaintance  and  in- 
timacies both  in  the  South  and  in  England, 
made  his  position  a peculiar  one.  He  felt 
much  for  the  suffering  of  those  he  had 
known  in  the  South,  and  the  sentiments  of 
the  English  caused  him  great  pain.  At  the 
same  time  he  was  most  happily  assured  that 
the  noble  heads  of  the  British  nation  gave 
us  their  sympathy ; and  that  in  one  case 


176  A MEMORIAL  OF 

where  a reply  was  to  be  given  to  some 
question  connected  with  the  war,  these 
royal  friends  of  justice  were  so  anxious  to 
spare  offence,  that  a special  train  passed 
fifteen  times  between  Windsor  and  London 
before  satisfaction  was  expressed  with  the 
wording  of  the  document.  He  also  soon 
learned  that  a powerful,  if  not  a large  por- 
tion of  the  English  people,  distinguished  for 
good  sense  and  intelligence,  were  with  us. 
The  sympathies  of  the  aristocracy  were 
with  the  so-called  aristocracy  of  the  South, 
though,  had  the  whole  working  of  the  sys- 
tem of  slavery  been  known  to  these  ardent 
sympathizers,  we  think  their  judgment 
would  have  contradicted  their  feelings. 

It  was  an  interesting  fact  that  two  books 
about  the  war  were  written  by  a French- 
man of  great  celebrity,  Monsieur  le  Comte 
de  Gasparin,  which  showed  that  he  thor- 
oughly appreciated  our  situation.  So  in- 
tuitive were  they  in  their  recognition  of 
the  peculiar  traits  of  North  and  of  South, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 77 

and  so  just,  as  the  event  proved,  were  they 
in  their  calculations  as  to  the  results  of 
the  war,  that  we  must  look  upon  them 
as  almost  prophetic  inspiration.  Greatly  did 
they  renew  the  spirit  and  courage  of  those 
who  read  them. 

During  this  year  and  the  next,  Mr.  M in- 
turn made  frequent  visits  to  Washington 
on  public  affairs.  None  but  those  who 
experienced  the  tension  of  nerve  that  alter- 
nating hopes  and  fears  occasioned,  can  guess 
how  it  wore  upon  the  hearts  and  exhausted 
the  physical  strength  of  our  people.  There 
were  thousands  of  sacrificed  lives,  indepen- 
dently of  those  who  fell  in  battle. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  M inturn  went  to  the 
camps  south  of  Washington — a depressing 
though  interesting  sight.  There  lay  that 
great  army,  thoroughly  equipped  and  ready 
for  action,  but  still  clinging  to  that  “ master- 
ly inactivity  ” which  for  so  long  character- 
ized the  manner  in  which  the  war  was  con- 
ducted. In  this  army  were  found  our  best 


12 


178  • A MEMORIAL  OF 

and  noblest  gentlemen  from  homes  of  ease 
and  luxury ; young  men  who  left  their  col- 
leges, farmers  their  plough,  and  tradesmen 
their  shop,  to  fill  the  ranks  and  await  the 
horrors  and  chances  of  war.  Much  of  the 
success  of  the  army,  we  may  believe,  was 
attributable  to  the  reverence  for  religion, 
and  to  the  establishment  of  religious  ser- 
vices in  all  the  camps. 

Mr.  Minturn’s  note -book  could  disclose 
sad  instances  of  the  unfair  means  resorted 
to  by  the  South  to  obtain  influence  over 
the  States  adjoining  the  confederacy,  as  well 
as  of  the  unfaithfulness  of  some  of  the  nomi- 
nal adherents  to  the  North. 

We  must  give,  however,  all  honor  to  those 
who,  although  born  at  the  South,  yet,  hav- 
ing received  their  military  and  naval  educa- 
tion from  the  general  government,  hesitated 
not  to  battle  for  the  right.  Many  of  these, 
who  hastened  home  from  all  quarters  of  the 
globe  when  the  civil  war  broke  out,  were 
among  our  most  active  and  useful  cham- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  I 79 

pions.  The  brilliant  achievements  in  our 
navy  were  in  the  main  due  to  Southern 


men. 


CHAPTER  X. 


In  the  winter  of  1861,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  M in- 
turn and  part  of  their  family  visited  friends 
in  the  western  part  of  New  York,  and  then 
went  to  Niagara.  They  were  all  delighted 
with  the  winter  aspect  of  this  wonderful 
cataract.  The  sublimity  of  the  snow-cover- 
ed rocks,  from  which  the  glittering  icicles 
hung ; the  frozen  foam  which  formed  itself 
into  crystals  of  a thousand  various  devices 
as  if  to  deck  the  proud  torrent,  whose  steady 
flood  of  roaring  waters  resisted  winter’s 
strongest  chains ; the  effect  of  the  morning 
sunlight  upon  it  all,  when  every  tint  and 
tone  of  colour  shone  out  in  prismatic  purity 
from  the  sheets  of  water  and  the  ice-bound 
rocks  and  trees  around ; or,  of  the  still  more 

(180) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 8 1 

magical  moonlight,  that  seemed  to  dilate 
the  whole  scene  with  an  additional  grand- 
eur, filling  the  mind  with  mysterious  and 
speechless  awe — all  felt  that  Niagara  in  its 
wintry  solitude  was  something  never  to  be 
forgotten. 

In  March,  1862,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  M inturn 
made  rather  an  unusual  trip  at  that  season 
of  the  year,  going  north  to  the  White 
Mountains.  Winter  had  lingered  late,  and 
snow  was  on  the  ground  to  the  depth  of 
five  or  six  feet,  covering  the  fences.  Noth- 
ing could  exceed  in  beauty  that  grand 
rangoof  mountains  in  their  unbroken  surface 
of  dazzling  purity,  girdled  with  a broad 
belt  of  towering  pines,  and  at  sunset  rival- 
ing Mount  Blanc,  with  the  rare  roseate  tint 
that  becomes  so  well  the  spotless  snow.  It 
was  a novel  and  refreshing  experience  for 
Mr.  M inturn,  whose  health  needed  the  ex- 
hilaration of  this  change. 

They  put  up  at  the  Glen  House,  where 
nothing  was  omitted  that  could  give  com 


182 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


fort  to  their  sojourn.  When  exercise  was 
needed,  they  put  on  snow-shoes  for  a walk ; 
or,  in  a fur-mantled  sleigh,  took  rapid  drives 
in  the  pure  cold  air.  The  roads  were  so 
narrowly  blocked  up,  that  to  meet  another 
sleigh  at  any  point  except  where  the  regu- 
lar turn-out  was  formed,  was  a matter  of 
difficulty,  almost  of  danger.  The  horse,  or 
horses  were  taken  out  of  the  lighter  vehicle, 
and  that  lifted  aside,  while  the  horse  was 
led  as  closely  as  possible  to  the  stationary 
sleigh.  On  one  occasion,  where  a sharp 
turn  in  the  road  prevented  their  seeing,  and 
the  direction  of  the  wind  their  hearing  the 
bells  of  an  approaching  lumber  sledge,  which 
carried  an  immense  block  of  marble,  before 
Mr.  Minturn’s  cutter  was  lifted  aside — the 
path  was  strewn  with  blankets,  and  even 
the  coats  of  the  men  were  thrown  off  for 
his  wife  to  tread  upon.  The  gallantry  ex- 
hibited by  these  New  England  mountain- 
eers is  only  on  a level  with  the  universal 
deference  for  women  in  our  country — an 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 83 

example  to  all  other  nationalities.  In  these 
excursions,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  M inturn  often 
passed  the  district  school-house,  which  is 
always  among  the  first  buildings  of  our 
pioneers,  wherever  they  go ; and  as  they 
observed  the  stalwart  arms  that  were  pre- 
paring fuel  for  the  next  winter,  the  bright 
axe  gleaming  in  the  sunlight,  and  coming 
down  with  titanic  force,  they  felt  inwardly 
assured  that  a people  who  thus  could  labour 
to  give  education  to  their  children,  and 
their  children’s  children,  would  battle  nobly 
for  their  country’s  rights,  and  be  victorious 
in  the  war. 

In  the  spring,  Mr.  M inturn  had  the  hap- 
piness of  seeing  his  second  son,  John,  mar- 
ried to  Louisa,  daughter  of  his  friend  Mr 
William  Aspinwall ; and  in  the  autumn  of 
the  same  year,  a similar  happiness  awaited 
him,  in  the  marriage  of  his  eldest  son,  Rob- 
ert, to  Susannah,  daughter  of  Mr.  George 
Francis  Shaw,  of  Boston. 

This  year  terminated  the  lives  of  Mr. 


1 8 4 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


M inturn’s  aged  mother,  and  of  the  venera- 
ble father  of  Mrs.  M inturn — both  of  whom 
the  previous  summer  had  at  different  pe- 
riods passed  several  weeks  at  Hastings 
in  extremely  feeble  condition. 

In  the  early  spring  of  1863,  Mr.  Min- 
turn  accompanied  a party  of  gentlemen 
younger  than  himself,  on  a fishing  excur- 
sion in  Maine.  One  of  these  companions 
wrote  to  Mr.  Min  turn  soon  after  his  return, 
expressing  gratification  at  having  been  with 
him  on  this  excursion,  hoping  the  benefit 
of  his  example  might  never  be  lost.  Mr. 
M inturn  took  with  him,  as  his  servant,  a 
coloured  lad,  brought  up  in  the  family,  to 
whom  he  was  much  attached.  Later  in  the 
summer,  when  his  master  was  absent  in 
Minnesota,  this  boy  was  obliged  to  remain 
concealed  under  the  hay  in  the  barn  at 
Hastings,  to  avoid  the  mob  which  at  that 
time  was  raging  in  the  vicinity  of  New 
York,  as  well  as  in  the  city  itself,  maltreat- 
ing and  even  murdering  the  negro  popula- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 85 

tion,  and  by  night  setting  fire  to  buildings 
in  any  way  associated  with  the  coloured 
race  in  the  minds  of  these  ruthless  rioters. 

It  may  easily  be  conceived  that  all  these 
scenes  of  horror  would  tell  heavily  upon 
Mr.  Mintum’s  health,  weakened  by  disease ; 
and  upon  his  heart,  so  keenly  alive  to  all 
suffering,  that  he  has  been  known,  when 
walking  through  the  streets  of  the  city,  and 
seeing  some  poor  animal  driven  hastily  to 
the  shambles  by  its  cruel  owner,  to  pay  for 
a cart  to  carry  it  to  its  destination. 

Indeed,  the  ravages  of  war,  the  repeated  • 
loss  of  friends,  in  battle  or  by  the  fever 
which  prevailed  in  our  camps,  and  anxiety 
about  all  financial  matters,  so  materially  af- 
fected his  health,  that  another  voyage  to  Eu- 
rope was  advised  by  friends  and  physicians. 

He  was  unwilling,  however,  to  leave  his 
country  in  the  midst  of  its  civil  dissensions, 
and  so  resolved  to  seek  the  change  and 
repose  he  needed,  by  a trip  to  the  north- 
west. In  June,  accompanied  by  his  wife 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


1 86 

and  two  daughters,  he  went  to  Niagara, 
and  from  thence  to  Milwaukie.  From 
Milwaukie,  they  visited  Nashotah,  a large 
church  institution,  in  which  Mr.  M inturn 
had  long  taken  a true  and  substantial  in- 
terest. Then  they  went  to  La  Crosse,  on 
the  Mississippi,  and  took  the  boat  to  St. 
Paul.  The  river  is  very  beautiful  in  this 
region,  high  peaks,  like  feudal  castles, 
crowning  its  banks,  which,  in  some  places, 
slope  to  the  water's  edge,  like  smooth 
lawns,  studded  with  noble  trees.  Arrived 
at  St.  Paul,  it  was  difficult  to  believe,  that 
thirty  years  before  there  was  only  one 
white  man  residing  there.  The  extent,  and 
beauty,  and  tastefulness  of  the  houses,  sur- 
rounded by  fountains  and  gardens,  showed 
a refinement  and  cultivation  that  argued 
well  for  the  inhabitants. 

Having  visited  the  falls  of  St.  Anthony 
and  Minnehaha,  and  other  objects  of  inter- 
est, Mr.  and  Mrs.  Minturn  went  from  St 
Paul  to  Bayfield,  on  Lake  Superior,  camp- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 87 

ing  out  several  nights,  and  getting  a full 
taste  of  forest  life.  They  saw  the  native 
Indians  in  their  canoes  and  wigwams ; and 
the  half-breed  mail  - carrier,  who  walked 
forty  miles  consecutively  for  two  days ; and 
they  passed  through  huge  primeval  forests, 
which  were  broken  only  by  the  one  road 
they  travelled. 

One  evening  the  air  was  so  heavy,  and 
so  filled  with  smoke,  that  danger  was  ap- 
prehended. The  next  day  they  came  upon 
a fire  in  the  woods,  which  stole  on  like  a 
great  serpent,  licking  up  the  vegetation 
from  the  ground,  and  running  up  the  state- 
ly trees.  It  passed  over  a part  of  their 
road ; and  scarcely  had  one  of  their  teams 
gone  by,  when  a burnt  tree  fell  with  a 
heavy  crash  across  the  path  they  had  just 
quitted.  At  Bayfield  they  took  the  steam- 
er for  Ontonagan,  where  a party  of  friends, 
who  had  joined  them  at  St.  Paul,  left  to  re- 
turn home.  Their  acquaintance  had  been 
made  on  this  western  trip,  the  enjoyment 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


1 88 

of  which  they  greatly  enhanced ; and  one 
among  their  number,  who  was  deeply  im- 
pressed with  Mr.  M inturn’s  character,  wrote 
the  following  sketch,  as  truthful  as  it  is 
gratifying. 

“ A few  years  ago  I was  so  happy  as  to 
be  one  of  a very  agreeable  party  journeying 
for  pleasure  and  for  health  to  the  far  West. 
Passing  through  a large  district  of  country 
with  but  few  settlements,  we  were  thrown 
very  much  upon  our  own  resources,  and  had 
frequent  opportunities  for  acts  of  kindness 
and  self-denial.  Prominent  in  all  these 
deeds  of  generous  and  watchful  care  for 
others  was  Robert  B.  M inturn.  Himself 
an  invalid  and  seeking  relief  from  care  and 
anxiety,  he  was  never  willing  to  take  rest  or 
refreshment  till  he  knew  that  each  one  of 
the  party  were  well  accommodated.  Truly 
he  1 loved  himself  last ; ’ and  it  needed  some- 
times the  most  urgent  entreaties  of  his  lov- 
ing children  to  induce  him  to  take  even 
needful  care  of  himself.  Before  reaching 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 89 

the  most  distant  and  wilder  regions,  we 
passed  through  many  towns  and  I believe 
without  an  exception  we  found  in  each  one 
a church  he  had  helped  to  build,  a clergy- 
man whose  hands  he  had  strengthened,  a 
literary  or  theological  institution  he  had 
largely  aided.  These  things  could  not  be 
hid,  although  he  would  gladly  have  never 
been  known  as  the  donor  of  all  these  rich 
gifts.  But  on  the  last  evening  we  spent  to- 
gether, little  thinking  it  would  be  the  last, 
an  incident  occurred  that  I thought  very 
touching,  because  it  showed  a kind  care  for 
the  ‘ little  ones/  And  here  was  one  shining 
trait  of  his  character ; his  liberality  did  not 
consist  solely  in  princely  acts  of  munificence, 
but  no  opportunity  seemed  lost  of  doing 
the  thousand  little  nameless  charities  which 
only  the  last  great  day  will  reveal.  We 
were  at  a remote  point  on  Lake  Superior, 
and  a band  of  German  musicians,  on  their 
summer  travels,  announced  a concert  for  the 
evening.  As  our  party  were  entering  the 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


I9O 

concert-room,  we  found  the  door  surrounded 
by  a number  of  boys  attracted  by  the  sounds 
of  the  musical  instruments,  a novelty  in  that 
region.  The  door-keeper  pushed  them  rude- 
ly aside,  and  we  entered.  The  audience  was 
small  enough  to  be  rather  discouraging  to 
the  musicians.  After  they  had  finished  a 
fine  overture,  Mr.  Minturn  left  the  room, 
and  soon  after  all  the  boys,  amounting  to 
twenty,  filed  regularly  in  and  were  shown  to 
seats  on  one  side  of  the  room.  We  soon 
surmised  who  had  been  the  purchaser  of 
their  tickets,  giving  by  this  means  great 
pleasure  to  the  children  and  benefit  to  the 
musicians.  Thus,  although  at  the  time 
weighed  down  by  anxiety  for  his  country, 
then  in  her  greatest  peril,  with  his  own  ill 
health  and  many  responsibilities,  did  he 
stoop  to  assist  and  cheer  even  the  lowest 
with  ready  aid  and  ‘ kind  words  that  never 
die/  ” 

One  of  Mr.  M inturn’s  strong  character- 
istics was  kind  attention  to  poor  children, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  I9X 

particularly  if  pain  or  sickness  was  added 
to  their  poverty.  During  this  visit  to  the 
far  West,  on  two  different  occasions  he  met 
with  cases  that  he  instantly  relieved.  One 
was  at  Niagara,  where,  on  the  British  side, 
he  noticed  a lame  boy,  whom  he  assisted, 
and  the  next  day  crossed  the  river  to  enquire 
after  him  and  to  render  him  material  aid. 
Another  and  more  remarkable  instance  was 
at  Mackinaw,  where  he  observed  a boy  who 
had  one  of  his  legs  drawn  up  from  the  foot 
at  a right  angle  with  the  knee,  and  on  find- 
ing that  the  lameness  was  the  result  of  an 
accident,  he  directly  took  measures  to  send 
the  boy  to  Chicago,  and  place  him  under 
the  care  of  an  eminent  surgeon  ; and  had 
the  saffefaction  and  reward  of  learning  with- 
in a few  months  that  the  boy  was  walking 
comfortably,  with  the  leg  restored  to  its 
proper  position.  Without  this  timely  aid 
he  might  have  been  a cripple  for  life. 

These  more  recent  instances  recall  one 
or  two  others  in  previous  years,  showing 


192 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


how  thoroughly  and  earnestly  his  aid  was 
given.  Meeting  a lad  whose  face  impressed 
him,  while  he  saw  with  pain  that  his  feet 
were  reversed,  he  took  him  to  a distin- 
guished surgeon  who  promised  to  cure  him 
paid  his  board,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of 
seeing  a sufferer  relieved  for  life. 

A disappointing  effort  for  one  boy,  still 
shows,  nevertheless,  how  persevering  he  was 
in  such  cases.  Observing  three  lads  in  the 
road  on  the  North  River,  during  his  first 
residence  there  in  1847  and  *48,  who  were 
in  search  of  employment,  he  gave  them  a 
night’s  lodging,  and  for  two  of  them  found 
occupation  in  the  city.  The  third  interested 
him  so  much  from  his  intelligence,  that  he 
placed  him  at  school,  and  for  years  strove 
by  every  method  to  influence  him  for  good. 
But  the  moral  taint  was  so  deep,  that  after 
making  various  efforts  on  his  behalf,  he  was 
obliged  to  allow  him  to  seek  his  livelihood 
in  his  own  fashion ; although  he  still  con- 
tinued and  that  for  years  to  write  to  him. 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


193 


At  Ontonagan,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  M inturn 
visited  the  copper  mines,  some  of  which  had 
been  worked  at  a period  preceding  the  date 
of  the  present  occupation  of  our  country, 
where  they  saw  arrow-heads  of  iron  made 
at  that  time.  They  then  steamed  for  the 
northern  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  whose 
water  is  so  clear  that  you  can  see  the  bot- 
tom, cold  as  a spring,  and  deep  enough  for 
a heavy  steamer.  This  great  inland  ocean 
with  its  ten  thousand  islands  is  itself  a mar- 
vel of  grandeur. 

They  went  ashore  at  Fort  William,  and 
were  rowed  in  a canoe  some  miles  up  a 
romantic  stream;  gliding  along  under  the 
alders  and  willows  that  bordered  it,  with 
almost  as  little  noise  or  motion  as  the  fish 
swimming  in  the  stream.  This  lonely  spot 
is  sometimes  months  without  a mail.  They 
stopped  at  Isle  Royal,  where  all  on  board 
landed  to  hunt  for  chlorashotite,  a small 
stone  resembling  malachite ; then  went  on  to 
Copper  Harbour  and  Portage  Lake,  when 
13 


i94 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


the  mines  were  again  visited  with  great  in- 
terest. The  richness  of  these  mines  is  won- 
derful ; and  the  value  of  the  land  has  in- 
creased in  such  a ratio  that  Mr.  Douglas,  an 
early  settler,  informed  them  that  he  had 
paid  six  hundred  dollars  for  a portion  of 
land  which  he  sold  in  a few  years  for 
seventy-seven  thousand  dollars,  and  it  was 
at  that  time  worth  a million.  Another 
mine  that  he  sold  for  eight  thousand 
dollars  was  then  worth  half  a million. 
English  copper  ore,  they  were  told,  was 
worth  seven  per  cent,  after  washing ; ours 
eighty  to  eighty-five  per  cent.  Seventy-five 
tuns  of  rock  are  daily  broken.  The  copper 
“ crops  out,”  or  appears  on  the  surface  of 
the  land  constantly.  One  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  tuns  of  copper  are  produced  an- 
nually. % In  1845,  Copper  Harbour  had  one 
poorly  built  house,  and  five  hundred  people 
living  in  tents ; now,  at  Portage  Lake  alone, 
there  are  one  thousand  inhabitants ; a church, 
and  a hospital  for  the  miners  when  ill  or 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 95 

hurt  by  accident.  From  this  place  they 
went  to  Marquette,  where  they  saw  the 
immense  iron  mines  there,  and  the  Iron 
Mountain,  which  is  almost  a solid  mass  of 
iron  glittering  in  the  sun. 

The  news  of  Colonel  Robert  Shaw’s 
death,  at  Charleston,  at  the  head  of  his 
regiment,  now  reached  the  travellers  ; and 
from  this  point  Mrs.  M inturn  returned 
home,  leaving  the  rest  of  the  party  to  visit 
the  beautiful  island  of  Mackinac,  situated 
at  the  junction  of  Lakes  Huron  and  Michi- 
gan. FI  ere  Mr.  Minturn  first  met  Bishop 
Whipple,  who  came  to  the  island  for  the 
benefit  of  his  health,  broken  by  intense 
devotion  to  the  Indians. 

Within  a few  weeks  of  Mr.  M inturn’s 
return  to  New  York,  he  was  seized  with 
severe  illness.  His  only  surviving  sister, 
Mrs.  Grinnell,  who  had  lately  arrived  home 
from  a tour  in  Europe,  added  her  solicita- 
tions to  those  of  his  friends,  that  he  would 
lose  no  time  in  seeking  that  freedom  from 


196 


A MEMORIAL. 


care,  which  it  was  thought  could  only  be 
obtained  in  an  absence  from  his  own  coun- 
try, whose  state  caused  him  incessant  ex- 
citement and  anxiety.  The  ties  of  home 
were  increasingly  strong,  for  about  this 
time  two  grand-children,  named  after  him, 
were  added  to  other  endearments,  and  it 
was  at  a great  sacrifice  of  inclination  that 
he  consented  to  leave  America,  and  cross 
the  Atlantic  for  the  third  time. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

« 

Early  in  November  Mr.  Minturn  and 
his  family  sailed  from  New  York,  and  were 
soon  once  more  kindly  welcomed  in  Lon- 
don. Passing  rapidly  through  Paris,  they 
went  directly  to  Marseilles,  where  they 
took  the  steamer  to  Alexandria.  On  this 
voyage  across  the  Mediterranean,  they  had 
the  pleasure  of  forming  the  acquaintance 
of  Sir  John  Lawrence,  then  on  his  way  to 
India  as  Governor-General.  His  extreme 
simplicity  and  unaffected  manners,  his  good 
sense  and  great  kindness,  met  such  sympa- 
thy in  Mr.  Minturn,  that  they  became  very 
good  friends  in  those  seven  days  ; and  when 
they  arrived  at  Alexandria,  Sir  John  in- 
sisted on  taking  Mr.  Minturn  and  his  party 

(197) 


198 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


ashore  in  the  Pasha’s  boats,  which  were 
provided  for  his  reception,  and  also  on 
their  accompanying  him  and  his  suite  in 
the  special  train  to  Cairo.  They  therefore 
entered  on  their  trip  to  the  East  under  un- 
usually pleasant  auspices.  Mr.  M inturn 
looked  forward  with  great  interest  to  a re- 
petition of  his  journey  up  the  Nile,  accom- 
panied, as  he  was,  by  a part  of  his  family, 
and  he  was  not  disappointed.  The  voyage 
was  pleasant,  and  he  had  the  satisfaction  of 
observing  what  he  thought  a great  amelio- 
ration in  the  condition  of  the  people  ; the 
labouring  men  had  a more  comfortable  and 
better-fed  appearance,  and  their  wages  were 
somewhat  increased.  But  to  the  other 
members  of  his  party  it  seemed  almost  im- 
possible that  matters  ever  could  have  been 
worse. 

It  was  dreadful  to  see  a whole  village 
pressed  into  the  service  of  the  Pasha,  to  do 
his  portion  of  the  work  on  the  Isthmus  of 
Suez,  with  but  little  compensation  for  la- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


I99 


bour  done ; and  to  observe  the  cruelty 
exercised  over  those  who  were  building  a 
dyke  on  the  Nile,  where  children,  twelve 
and  fifteen  years  old,  carrying  heavy  baskets 
of  earth  on  their  heads,  were  urged  by  the 
lash  of  their  masters  to  their  painful  task. 

Coming,  as  they  had  done,  so  recently 
from  the  great  North-west  of  America,  so 
rich  in  soil,  in  mines,  in  forests,  so  glorious 
in  its  ocean-like  lakes,  and  magnificent  moun- 
tains, and  with  its  people  possessing  an  inesti- 
mable heritage  of  freedom,  and  with  noth- 
ing to  prevent  their  progress  and  their 
growth — to  have  passed  from  such  scenes 
into  this  crumbling  land,  where  everything 
speaks  of  oppression,  poverty,  and  decay — 
was  one  of  the  most  striking  transitions  it 
were  possible  to  make,  and  rendered  the 
stars  and  stripes  that  waved  from  the  mast 
of  their  dahabeah  an  object  of  unusual  love 
and  pride. 

On  this  journey  they  went  as  far  as  the 
first  cataract;  and  the  ruins  of  this  inter- 


200 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


esting  old  country  were  re-visited  by  Mr. 
M inturn  with  an  increased  relish,  and  seen 
by  the  rest  of  his  party  with  a keen,  fresh 
admiration,  such  as  must  fill  all  minds  on 
seeing  these  remains  of  past  ages.  It  had 
been  the  intention  of  Mr.  Minturn,  on  re- 
turning to  Cairo,  to  cross  the  short  desert 
and  enter  the  Holy  Land,  but  there  was  so 
much  illness  at  Cairo,  that  his  plans  were 
not  carried  out  The  United  States  Consul, 
Mr.  Thayer,  was  very  ill,  his  friend  Mr. 
Marsh  had  died,  and  a young  German  ser- 
vant, also,  who  had  waited  on  Mr.  M in- 
turn’s party  during  their  first  day  at  Cairo. 
It  became,  therefore,  a source  of  deep  anx- 
iety, when  Mr.  Minturn  was  seized  with  a 
•severe  bilious  attack,  which  kept  him  ill 
for  some  days.  As  soon  as  he  was  able,  he 
went  to  inquire  for  Mr.  Thayer,  intending 
to  prevail  on  him  to  leave  Cairo ; he,  how- 
ever, was  too  ill,  and  soon  after  died. 

. A part  of  Mr.  M inturn’s  family,  after 
selecting  a dragoman  of  capacity  sufficient 


ROBERT  BOWNE  M INTURN. 


201 


to  plan  the  excursion,  and  take  charge  of 
the  travellers,  went  to  Jerusalem,  going  by 
water  to  Joppa.  When  Mr.  Minturn  was 
able  to  travel,  he  and  his  wife  went  to  Al- 
exandria, and  took  ship  for  Sicily.  They 
spent  a fortnight  in  that  lovely  island,  so 
full  of  picturesque  beauty  and  historic  in- 
terest, and  the  fresh,  bracing  air,  with  the 
various  charms  of  the  early  spring,  invig- 
orated Mr.  M inturn’s  health. 

They  awaited  the  return  of  their  children 
at  Palermo,  but  it  was  not  until  they 
reached  Naples,  on  the  morning  of  the  8th 
of  April,  that  the  family  was  re -united. 
Two  months  were  passed  in  Naples  and 
Rome.  It  was  late  in  the  season  for  those 
cities,  but,  as  they  had  a delightfully  spa- 
cious apartment  in  Rome,  and  as  Mr.  Min- 
turn, in  his  first  visit,  had  seen  but  little  of 
this  wonderful  old  city,  they  lingered  there 
till  the  first  of  June.  They  then  went  to 
lovely  Florence,  where  they  visited  Val- 
lombrosa,  afterwards  to  Venice,  thence  to 


202 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


the  Tyrol,  and  then,  passing  over  the  Stel- 
vio  Pass,  to  St.  Moritz. 

The  winter  and  spring  had  been  full  of 
anxious  interest  for  both  parents,  as  the 
daughters  accompanying  them  had  become 
engaged,  the  one  to  a young  fellow-country- 
man, the  other  to  an  English  clergyman. 
Although  sympathizing  in  the  happiness  of 
their  children,  it  was  naturally  a trial  to  be 
thus  robbed  of  these  pleasant  companions 
for  the  future  of  their  lives ; and  it  was  ob- 
served that  Mr.  Minturn  clung  to  them 
with  unusual  tenderness  during  the  interval 
before  their  marriage. 

Finding  himself  much  benefited  by  the 
air  at  St.  Moritz,  Mr.  Minturn  remained 
there  longer  than  was  at  first  intended ; 
while  his  wife  and  daughters  made  a short 
trip  in  Switzerland,  and  a necessary  visit  to 
Paris. 

A very  dear  friend,  to  whose  care  Mrs. 
Minturn  confided  her  husband,  in  case  he 
should  be  ill  before  she  could  return  to  him, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN 


203 


and  who  was  constantly  in  his  society  at 
San  Moritz, gives  the  following  recollections 
of  her  pleasant  sojourn  there  with  him: 
“Thinking,  my  dear  friend,  that  it  might 
afford  you  some  satisfaction  to  hear  some 
incidents  connected  with  Mr  M inturn’s 
stay  at  St.  Moritz  after  you  left,  I make  a 
rough  sketch  from  memory,  adding  a few 
extracts  from  his  letters,  relating  to  his 
charities  there,  showing  that  neither  time 
nor  distance  could  weaken  his  interest  in 
the  objects  of  his  benevolent  care. 

“ One  afternoon,  in  our  walk,  as  we  passed 
a peasant’s  hut,  we  were  surprised  at  sud- 
denly finding  ourselves  surrounded  by  a 
group  of  children,  dancing  and  screaming 
with  delight,  now  looking  up  in  your  hus- 
band’s face.,  then  shrinking  back  in  childish 
bashfulness.  His  sweet  smile  and  pleasant 
manner  encouraged  them,  and  soon  mother 
and  father  were  added  to  the  group  of  eight 
children.  All  this  joy  and  gratitude  was  in 
return  for  Mr.  M inturn’s  kindness ; for  a 


204  A MEMORIAL  OF 

few  days  before,  he  had  taken  them  all  to  the 
shoemaker’s,  and  given  them  each  a pair  of 
shoes.  They  were  Bergamese  peasants,  who 
had  come  up  for  the  mowing.  It  was  a 
source  of  deep  regret  that  he  could  not  get 
up  a feast  for  all  the  mowers,  but  he  found 
it  impossible,  owing  to  the  great  difficulty 
in  getting  sufficient  food  at  such  a height 
on  the  Alps.  On  another  occasion,  we  had 
wandered  far  in  the  forest,  and  came  upon 
a clearing  where  they  were  preparing  peat 
for  fuel ; and  in  a miserable  dark  hovel, 
without  light  or  air,  dwelt  an  old  man  for 
three  months  of  the  year,  to  superintend 
this  work.  I had  some  conversation  with 
him,  and  on  learning  his  circumstances,  our 
dear  friend,  with  his  usual  liberality,  added 
to  the  scanty  store  of  the  poor  old  man, 
who,  with  uplifted  eyes  and  hands,  invoked 
a blessing  on  him  who  verily  ‘ went  about 
doing  good.’ 

“ At  another  time,  we  met  a miserable 
object  of  deformity  in  our  rambles.  lie 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


205 


was  also  aided,  but  we  found  that  he  was 
not  deserving ; for  besides  being  provided 
for  by  the  authorities,  the  beggar  had  laid 
up  a considerable  sum  of  money.  On  this 
occasion,  I well  remember  the  kind,  hum- 
ble manner  of  my  dear  friend,  when  I apol- 
ogized for  having  presumed  to  advise  cau- 
tion in  such  matters.  He  thanked  me 
warmly,  and  begged  that  I would  always 
exercise  the  right  of  true  friendship. 

“ Once,  when  I was  regretting  that  I had 
not  the  same  sweet  privilege  that  he  en- 
joyed in  such  a high  degree,  of  being  able 
to  administer  to  the  wants  of  others  in  a 
pecuniary  way,  he  said  that  I contributed 
my  share  to  his  work,  by  being  interpreter, 
and  that  words  of  love  and  sympathy  to 
our  fellow  creatures  were  acceptable  to 
God.  He  said  he  felt  that  he  had  derived 
so  much  benefit  from  the  ‘ cure  ’ at  St. 
Moritz,  that  he  must  show  his  gratitude,  by 
relieving  others  as  far  as  he  could. 

“ The  next  day,  he  came  for  me  to  speak 


206 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


with  a German  couple,  whom  he  met  on 
the  road,  with  a blind  infant.  They  had 
come  from  Chiavenna  to  consult  an  oculist, 
who  had  not  arrived,  and  they  had  no 
means  to  allow  of  their  waiting  for  him. 
Mr.  Min  turn  kept  them  at  his  own  ex- 
pense for  several  days ; and  when  the  case 
was  found  to  be  incurable,  he  provided 
them  with  money  to  return  to  their  home. 
He  also  took  their  address,  and  requested 
them  to  let  us  know  if  they  had  further 
need  of  assistance.  We  then  went  to  buy 
them  a blanket  and  some  warm  clothing ; 
and  when  I gave  these  articles  to  them  in 
your  husband’s  name,  they  manifested  the 
most  grateful  emotion.  Another  case  of 
blindness  that  interested  him,  was  that  of 
two  poor  sisters.  We  were  obliged  to 
leave  before  an  oculist  could  arrive.  I 
spoke  to  a friend  of  mine  to  consult  him 
when  he  should  come,  and  when  I wrote 
the  result  of  the  consultation  to  Mr.  M in- 
turn, he  replied  as  follows : ‘ Many  thanks 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


207 


for  your  kind  letter.  I am  very  glad  to 
hear  the  oculist  thinks  one  of  the  childien 
at  St.  Moritz  can  be  cured,  and  shall  gladly 
avail  myself  of  the  arrangement  you  pro- 
pose for  having  it  done.  If  I can  facilitate 
it  in  any  way  by  sending  a draft  from  here 
for  the  money,  or  in  any  other  way,  please 
inform  me.  I shall  be  glad  to  have  the 
glasses  bought  which  are  recommended  for 
the  other  child.  I am  much  pleased  that  a 
prospect  of  relief  is  opened  for  these  sisters. 
Did  you  hear  what  opinion  was  expressed 
regarding  the  little  child  that  was  brought 
from  Chiavenna?’ 

“In  a later  letter,  he  wrote,  ‘ I am  very 
glad  to  hear  of  the  opening  for  doing  some- 
thing for  the  relief  of  the  poor  children  suf- 
fering from  partial  blindness,  at  St.  Moritz. 

“ ‘ I beg  you  to  express  to  Madame  Pe- 
ters my  thanks  for  her  kind  interest  in  this 
family.  Might  it  not  be  best  that  the 
younger  of  the  two  sisters  should  be  placed 
in  a hospital,  where  she  could  have  more 


208 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


care  and  better  medical  advice,  than  could 
be  commanded  for  her  at  St.  Moritz  ? For 
the  elder,  I think  Madame  Peters’  proposal 
of  a school  may  be  the  best  for  the  present ; 
and  afterwards,  perhaps,  some  trade  would 
be  desirable.  In  the  absence  of  any  esti- 
mate of  the  amount  of  money  necessary  to 
do  what  may  appear  best  for  these  poor 
children,  I send  enclosed  a bill  on  Messrs. 
Baring  for  ten  pounds.’ 

“ In  a short  note  written  to  me  at  the  mo- 
ment of  embarkation  for  America,  he  asked : 
‘ Please  remember  our  Swiss  children,  in 
your  travels,  or  if  you  have  any  acquaint- 
ances going  to  St.  Moritz.’ 

“ What  a proof  of  true  Christian  philan- 
thropy, that  even  when  most  pressed  in  his 
own  affairs,  he  still  thought  of  those  poor 
little  creatures,  seven  thousand  feet  up  on 
the  Alps. 

“Could  I have  known  that  these  few 
weeks  were  to  prove  the  last  opportunities 
of  personal  intercourse  with  this  heavenly- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


209 


minded  man,  how  carefully  would  I have 
noted  down  every  one  of  his  valuable  teach- 
ings ; for  truly,  every  walk  I took  with  him^ 
and  every  visit  we  made,  were  lessons  never 
to  be  forgotten.  Sometimes  he  would  put 
letters  in  his  pocket  to  read  to  me,  while 
we  sat  to  rest  on  some  hillside ; and  the 
topics  thus  discussed  were  full  of  interest 
and  profit.  At  one  time,  letters  from  Dr 
Muhlenberg,  which  would  lead  to  the  sub- 
ject of  his  favourite  ‘ St.  Luke’s,’  and  other 
desired  undertakings ; at  another  time,  let- 
ters from  Bishop  Whipple,  which  led  to  his 
important  work  in  the  west. 

“No  one  knows  better  than  yourself,  my 
dear  friend,  how  greatly  he  appreciated  the 
glorious  scenery  by  which  we  were  surround- 
ed One  Saturday  afternoon  I accompanied 
him  and  a clerical  friend  to  the  highest  spot 
that  we  had  ever  attempted,  and  from 
whence  the  view  down  in  the  valley  was  so 
grand  that  we  each  felt  more  than  ever  in 
the  presence  of  our  God.  Not  a word  was 
H 


210 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


spoken  for  half  an  hour,  but  each  enjoyed 
his  own  thoughts,  till  at  length  the  silence 
was  broken  by  the  clergyman,  in  some 
beautiful  remarks,  to  which  Mr.  Mintum 
responded  with  an  expression  of  counten- 
ance that  I can  never  forget,  it  seemed 
illumined  by  a celestial  ray  from  that  upper 
world  which  appeared  so  near. 

“In  one  of  our  last  walks  he  said,  ‘ I have 
been  reflecting  much  this  morning  upon  the 
subject  that  we  are  to  be  judged  for  our 
most  secret  thoughts.  Not  only  our  acts 
and  our  words  but  our  thoughts  are  to  be 
brought  to  light,  and  how  careful  and  watch- 
ful this  ought  to  make  us/ 

“Another  instance  of  Mr.  M inturn’s  gene- 
rosity and  sense  of  brotherhood  was  evi- 
denced at  this  time  by  his  accidentally  dis- 
covering that  an  English  clergyman,  (a 
hard-working  man  in  a neglected  part  of 
London,)  who  was  passing  some  time  at 
St.  Moritz,  was  about  to  leave  sooner  than 
he  desired  for  want  of  means.  Mr.  M inturn 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


21  I 


at  once  arranged  that  his  stay  should  be 
prolonged,  meeting  his  expenses  and  con- 
tributing in  many  ways  to  his  comfort  and 
ease.” 

The  same  friend  who  wrote  these  few 
recollections  of  Mr.  M inturn’s  kind  acts 
at  St.  Moritz,  in  another  letter  says,  “ I 
love  to  dwell  on  the  memory  of  our  depart- 
ed friend,  to  study  his  beautiful  character, 
and  to  keep  his  bright  example  ever  before 
me  for  profit  and  imitation.  On  reading 
to-day  some  of  the  prayers  he  had  marked 
in  the  book  he  used  last  winter,  and  after- 
wards sent  to  me,  I was  more  than  ever  im- 
pressed with  their  significance,  both  as  to 
their  answers  with  regard  to  himself,  as  well 
as  in  his  deep  humility  and  consciousness 
of  imperfection.  The  following  closing 
sentence  of  one  of  the  prayers  was  certainly 
answered  in  his  case  — ‘ that  walking  faith- 
fully before  Thee  all  my  days,  and  being 
found  watching  when  my  appointed  time 
shall  come,  I may  from  a life  of  righteous- 


212 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


ness  be  translated  to  a life  of  glory,  through 
the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.’  An- 
other passage  he  had  marked  was — ‘ Do 
nothing  but  what  thou  wouldst  be  found 
doing  when  Christ  shall  come  to  judge  thee ; 
and  live  every  day  as  if  it  were  thy  last,  and 
the  very  next  to  eternity.’  In  reading  many 
passages  it  seems  to  me  as  if  Mr.  Minturn 
had  a foreshadowing  that  he  was  not  to  re- 
main with  us  here  much  longer.” 

The  same  correspondent,  in  another  let- 
ter, says — “ At  this  moment  occurs  to  me  a 
remark  made  by  a person  at  St.  Moritz. 
She  requested  me  one  day  not  to  allow  the 
servant  to  change  our  seats  (Mr.  Minturn’s 
and  mine)  at  the  table,  for  she  said,  ‘ I want 
that  Mr.  Minturn  should  sit  where  I can 
see  his  face.  I do  not  want  him  to  talk 
with  me,’  (she  was  a free-thinker,)  ‘ but  I 
like  to  watch  his  expression,  he  looks  so 
good.’  She  was  willing  to  acknowledge 
the  Christian’s  seal  as  shown  in  the  expres- 
sion given  him  by  the  purity  and  holiness 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


213 


of  his  life,  yet  in  her  own  case  refused  a 
belief  in  that  religion  which  was  the  founda- 
tion of  our  friend’s  happiness.” 


CHAPTER  XII. 


Before  Mr.  Minturn  went  abroad,  he 
had  found  some  trouble  with  his  eyes ; and 
one  of  his  objects  in  again  crossing  the 
Atlantic  was  to  consult  Dr.  Graffe  in  Ber- 
lin. The  opinion,  however,  of  a distinguish- 
ed oculist  in  London  had  corroborated  that 
already  given  by  Dr.  Agnew  of  New  York, 
— namely,  that  the  vision  of  one  eye  was 
partially  lost,  and  that  it  was  only  through 
strict  attention  to  his  general  health  that  he 
could  hope  to  retain  his  sight.  This  could 
not  but  be  a source  of  uneasiness  to  himself 
and  family.  The  writer  well  remembers  on 
one  occasion  at  his  daughter’s  house,  how, 
at  evening  prayers,  he  turned  the  book  in 

various  lights  and  finding  himself  unable  to 
(214) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


215 


read  the  text,  closed  and  laid  it  down 
with  a look  of  beautiful  submission  that 
went  to  the  heart  of  those  who  observed 
it.  This  threatened  loss  of  sight  increased 
his  tenderness  for  all  those  who  suffered 
from  blindness.  He  was  never  known  to 
pass  a blind  person,  without  bestowing 
charity,  while  some  of  his  oldest  and  most 
regular  pensioners  were  the  blind. 

Mr.  Minturn  rejoined  his  family  in  Lon- 
don, and  there  they  met  their  eldest  daugh- 
ter and  family,  who  had  come  abroad  for 
the  summer.  During  their  stay  in  that  city, 
Mr.  Minturn  paid  his  last  visit  to  his  old 
friend,  Mr.  Joshua  Bates.  He  was  staying 
at  the  beautiful  residence  of  his  daughter, 
Madame  Van  de  Weyer,  built  for  her  by 
her  father,  who  was  at  that  time  on  the 
verge  of  the  grave.  He  received  Mr.  M in- 
turn  with  marks  of  unusual  affection,  and 
recited  with  much  feeling  the  oft -quoted 
lines  of  Shakespeare — “ These  lofty  towers 
these  gorgeous  palaces,  etc.”  — realizing, 


2l6 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


doubtless,  that  very  soon  for  him  the  glory 
and  grandeur  of  earth  was  to  “ fade  like  the 
baseless  fabric  of  a vision,  and  leave  not  a 
wreck  behind.”  This  visit  was  on  Thurs- 
day, and  on  the  following  Saturday  Mr. 
Bates  had  ceased  to  live. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Minturn  visited  the  family 
of  the  future  husband  of  their  second  daugh- 
ter, in  Somersetshire.  In  October  she  was 
married  to  the  Rev.  Charles  Penrose  Quicke, 
in  the  chapel  of  Auckland  Castle,  the  resi- 
dence of  Bishop  Baring,  of  Durham, 
which  was  thrown  open  on  the  occasion  to 
all  Mr.  Minturn’s  family  and  friend's:  a 
kindness  warmly  appreciated. 

During  their  absence  in  Europe,  Mr. 
Minturn  had  often  spoken  of  Bishop  Whip- 
ple, and  had  written  to  urge  him  to  come 
to  England,  on  account  of  his  health,  say- 
ing at  the  same  time  to  one  of  his  family — 
“ I know  no  better  way  to  serve  God  than 
to  do  what  I can  to  preserve  the  life  of 
one  so  useful  in  His  service” 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 

Bishop  Whipple  arrived  in  England  just 
in  time,  by  travelling  very  rapidly,  to  be 
present  at  the  marriage  above  named,  and 
when  it  was  over,  he  accompanied  Mr.  M in- 
turn and  his  daughter  Edith  on  an  excur- 
sion into  Scotland.  The  sketch  here  an- 
nexed of  that  journey  is  from  the  Bishop’s 
pen. 

“ In  writing  out  a few  reminiscences  of 
a journey  in  Scotland,”  he  says,  “Mr 
M inturn  loved  the  church  with  all  his 
heart,  and  yet  his  catholic  temper  and 
spirit  made  him  love  all  who  love  the 
Lord  Jesus.  We  spent  a Sunday  in  the 
Highlands,  in  the  family  of  a member 
of  the  Free  Kirk.  The  quiet  devotion  of 
the  household,  their  reverence  at  family 
prayer,  the  hearty  way  in  which  master  and 
servants  joined  in  singing  the  old  Scotch 
Psalms,  not  less  than  the  love  and  affection 
of  the  household  for  each  other,  deeply 
impressed  Mr.  M inturn.  He  said  to  me,  as 
we  left,  ‘I  am  so  thankful  to  God  we  have 


2l8 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


spent  the  Sunday  here.  It  makes  me  love 
them  to  see  how  they  love  the  Saviour.’ 

“At  Spean  Bridge  we  stopped  for  lun- 
cheon at  a road-side  inn,  in  the  midst  of 
the  Highlands.  As  we  left,  a fishing-rod 
reminded  him  of  my  love  for  this  gentle 
sport,  and  he  proposed  that  we  should  re- 
main a few  days.  He  entered  heartily  into 
the  sport,  and  was  quite  enthusiastic  over 
the  success  of  Edith  and  myself  in  taking 
salmon.  He  quite  won  the  hearts  of  the 
people  by  his  kind  interest  in  all  their 
plans.  He  helped  poor  Sandy  to  buy  a 
cow.  He  sent  to  America  for  fishing-tackle 
for  the  keeper  of  the  stream ; and  finding 
that  the  poor  inn-keeper’s  daughter  was  a 
great  sufferer  from  decayed  teeth,  took  her 
with  us  to  Inverness,  a journey  of  a hun- 
dred miles,  and  paid  an  excellent  dentist  to 
put  them  in  order,  sending  the  poor  girl 
home  with  pleasant  memories  of  her  Amer- 
ican friend. 

“While  in  Edinburg  he  said  to  me,  I 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  2ig 

have  always  heard  terrible  stories  of  the 
destitution  of  the  closes  in  Edinburg,  will 
you  go  with  me  to-night  to  see -their 
wretchedness?’  We  took  with  us  the 
chief  of  police,  and  a resident  of  the  city, 
and  from  dark  until'  midnight  were  climb- 
ing into  dark  attics,  or  diving  into  dark 
cellars.  It  was  a sight  to  make  angels 
weep.  We  all  tried  to  point  these  poor 
sinful  creatures  to  ‘ the  Lamb  of  God,  who 
taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world.’  Of 
course,  my  friend  emptied  his  pockets  again 
and  again.  W e knelt  in  prayer  by  the  bed- 
side of  some  dying  creature.  We  met  one 
case  of  an  English  girl,  baptized  and  con- 
firmed in  the  church,  who  was  living  in 
shame ; and  in  another  place,  found  two 
children,  brought  up  to  a life  of  infamy,  dy- 
ing of  disease.  The  next  day  he  said  to  me : 
‘ Could  you  find  some  clergyman  here  who 
would  rescue  these  poor  creatures,  and 
teach  them  of  the  Saviour,  if  you  had  the 
means  ? I feel  as  if  God  had  led  me  there 


220 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


to  help  them/  He  gave  me  a draft  for  a 
very  considerable  sum,  and  was  overjoyed 
when  I told  him  his  wish  was  accomplished. 

“ One  thing  impressed  me  much — his  per- 
sonal self-denial.  If  he  had  Edith  or  my- 
self with  him,  no  pains  or  expense  was 
spared  to  minister  to  our  pleasure.  If 
alone,  he  always  dined  on  a simple  lunch, 
or  travelled  by  second  class  carriage,  and 
always  took  the  amount  he  had  saved,  and 
gave  to  some  poor  soul,  or  dropped  it  in 
the  alms-chest  of  the  nearest  Church.  His 
friend  sometimes  rebuked  his  self-denial, 
but  his  answer  was  : ‘It  is  the  only  way  I 
can  deny  myself  for  the  Saviour’s  sake. 
When  I give  money,  merely,  it  is  no  sacri- 
fice ; but  this  helps  me  to  show  my  love.’ 

“In  London  we  visited  one  of  the  church 
lodging-houses  for  the  poor,  near  St.  Giles 
I remarked  to  the  young  gentleman  in 
charge,  ‘ I suppose  you  seldom  find  Ameri- 
cans here,’  he  said,  ‘Very  seldom;  but  I 
think  we  have  one  now.’  Mr.  Mintum 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


221 


asked  me  to  examine  the  case,  and  on 
learning  that  it  was  a case  of  real  poverty, 
and  that  the  young  man  would  be  glad  to 
go  back  to  America,  he  gave  him  an  order 
for  his  passage,  and  provided  means  to  care 
for  him  until  the  ship  sailed. 

“ He  was  the  most  judicious  man  I ever 
knew  in  his  benefactions,  and  would  refuse 
the  dearest  friend  quite  as  readily  as  a 
stranger,  if  he  did  not  approve  the  plan. 
He  often  violated  this  rule,  when  it  came 
to  cases  of  apparent  suffering,  and  once 
said  to  me,  ‘ I gave  to  him  not  for  his  sake, 
but  for  my  own,  lest  my  heart  should  be 
harder  for  refusal  when  my  sympathies 
were  touched/ 

“In  every  city  which  we  visited,  that 
which  interested  him  most  was  the  work 
for  the  poor ; and  many  a time  I have 
known  him  to  walk  for  hours  to  see  some 
blessed  work  for  Christ  among  the  fallen. 
He  visited  parishes  of  every  shade  of 
churchmanship  where  this  work  was  going 


222  A MEMORIAL  OF 

on  ; and  seemed  to  forget  everything  he 
did  not  approve,  if  he  could  only  see  that 
the  church  was  doing  her  Master’s  work 
for  the  sinful  sons  of  men. 

“In  his  many  conversations  with  me,  I 
thought  him  most  charitable  in  his  estimate 
of  others,  and  often  heard  from  his  lips 
hearty  praise  of  the  work  of  those  from 
whom  I knew  he  differed.  I remember 
that  once  I received  a letter  which  gave 
me  great  pain,  for  it  told  me  of  the  suffer- 
ings of  some  of  my  clergy,  and  the  anxiety 
of  others  with  regard  to  their  work.  He 
insisted  on  having  ‘ the  privilege,’  as  he 
called  it,  ‘ of  relieving  the  necessities  of 
his  brethren,’  and  the  only  stipulation  was 
that  he  should  be  unknown.” 

In  the  Bishop’s  Annual  Address,  deliv- 
ered before  the  Diocesan  Convention,  June 
13th,  1866,  he  says:  “The  Diocese  has 
lost  one  of  its  dearest  friends  in  the  death 
of  Robert  B.  Minturn,  of  New  York.  It 
was  his  kindness  that  provided  me  with 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


223 


the  means  to  visit  England.  He  has  long 
been  the  devoted  friend  of  our  western 
missionaries. 

“ I never  knew  a purer  or  a more  guileless 
man.  I never  knew  one  whose  heart  had 
more  sympathy  for  others  ; a strict  church- 
man, without  a shade  of  bigotry,  a holy 
man,  with  the  rarest  humility,  an  almoner 
for  God  who  gave  by  stealth,  in  secret. 
The  friend  of  all  who  work  for  Christ,  his 
monument  is  in  the  hearts  of  God’s  people, 
and  his  reward  in  heaven.” 

We  would  gladly  add  to  these  remarks 
some  most  interesting  anecdotes,  told  by 
Mr.  M inturn  about  his  much  valued  friend, 
but  they  must  be  left  for  his  own  biography, 
which  we  trust  may  not  be  written  for 
many  years  to  come. 

Mrs.  Mintum,  after  bidding  adieu  to  her 
eldest  daughter,  who  embarked  from  Liver- 
pool, went  to  the  future  residence  of  the 
bride,  to  see  it  prepared  for  her  reception  ; 
and  in  about  a month  welcomed  her  within 


224 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


its  pleasant  walls.  Late  in  the  autumn 
Mrs.  Minturn  rejoined  her  husband  and 
her  daughter  Edith  in  London.  Soon  af- 
terwards they  all  paid  a visit  to  one  of  the 
most  charming  and  luxurious  country-seats 
in  England,  where  art  and  skill  have  com- 
bined with  nature,  to  produce  a perfect 
home.  Here  they  were  most  gracefully 
entertained  with  genial  hospitality,  in  return 
for  some  little  kindness  on  their  side  of  the 
Atlantic.  Then  the  party  returned  to 
Ashbrittle  Rectory,  in  Somersetshire,  to 
pass  the  remainder  of  the  winter — a happy 
family  group.  Mr.  Minturn  occupied  him- 
self in  beautifying  the  grounds  around  the 
rectory,  and  in  doing  parish  work  with  the 
rector.  The  poor  people  looked  upon  him 
as  a sort  of  good  genius,  a combined  phy- 
sician and  friend,  and  they  told  him  all 
their  troubles  of  body  and  mind,  to  both 
of  which  he  ministered.  We  quote  from 
one  of  his  letters  to  a friend  a short  notice 
of  Christmas  at  Ashbrittle,  “We  had  a 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


225 


very  pleasant  Christmas  here,  assembling 
eighty  or  ninety  poor  people  to  a dinner  in 
the  school-rooms,  concluded  by  music  and 
a dance.  It  was  probably  the  most  cheerful 
day  of  the  year  to  them.  The  children, 
too,  had  a very  jolly  time,  with  a beautiful 
Christmas  tree,  the  like  of  which  they  had 
never  seen  before.” 

The  rectory  stands  in  the  sweet  seclusion 
of  a fragrant  garden,  which  slopes  down  to 
the  greenest  meadows  ; and  from  the  win- 
dows the  eye  is  blessed  with  a range  of  di- 
versified hills  and  dales,  as  picturesque  and 
richly  cultivated  as  any  in  the  beautiful 
south  of  England.  The  repose  of  this 
home,  with  the  opportunity  of  discussing 
matters  of  theological  interest  with  one 
whose  studies  had  been  for  years  engaged 
on  those  subjects,  was  a constant  enjoyment 
to  Mr.  M inturn.  Many  pleasant  hours 
were  passed  in  social  intercourse  with  the 
kind  and  cultivated  people  living  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Ashbrittle,  and  it  is  grati- 

15 


226 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


fying  to  know  how  fully  his  character  was 
appreciated  by  these  new  friends.  Mr. 
M inturn  also  enjoyed  frequent  visits  from 
his  nephew,  Cornelius  Grinnell,  to  whom 
he  was  much  attached,  and  whose  exceeding 
kindness  and  amiability  made  him  always 
a welcome  guest.  His  daughter  Edith  ac- 
companied him  on  a trip  into  Dorsetshire, 
to  hunt  up  the  pedigree  of  the  M inturn 
family,  which  had  existed  there  for  many 
centuries. 

There  are  still  two  villages  called  M in- 
turn Major  and  Minor,  in  that  county,  and 
a large  house  called  Minturn  House.  They 
heard  anecdotes  and  traditions  of  the  family, 
which,  as  far  as  they  could  learn,  is  extinct  in 
the  male  line  in  England.  In  a pedigree 
of  the  family,  1681,  one  of  its  members 
was  absent  in  Virginia ; and  there  is  a re- 
cord still  extant  of  a large  emigration  from 
Dorsetshire,  in  1672,  to  the  Eastern  States ; 
so,  that  although  the  immediate  link  was 
not  found,  Mr.  Minturn  was  greatly  inter- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


227 


ested  in  learning  every  particular  of  those 
who  might  be,  he  thought,  his  possible  pro- 
genitors.* 

A short  visit  to  London  in  the  spring 
enabled  Mr.  Minturn  to  see  again  some  of 
his  valued  friends,  before  he , embarked  for 
America.  Among  them  a business  friend, 
who  had  passed  much  of  his  life  in  the 
United  States,  and  had  married  there,  Mr. 
William  Pickersgill,  was  visited  at  his  beau- 
tiful home  in  Kent,  where  nearly  the  whole 
of  the  night  was  spent  in  reviewing  the 
experiences  of  their  youth,  and  in  reminis- 
cences of  the  past. 

On  their  way  back  to  Ashbrittle,  Mr. 
Minturn  and  his  family  paused  for  a night 
at  Coleshill  House,  the  residence  of  one  of 
his  oldest  English  friends.  It  was  his  last 
visit  to  a home  where  he  had  been  so 
warmly  welcomed  each  time  that  he  had 
been  in  England,  and  to  a friend  who,  we 
know,  cherishes  his  memory  with  true  af- 
fection and  esteem. 

* See  Appendix. 


228 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


But  the  time  approached  for  a return  to 
the  United  States.  It  was  a sad  thing  to 
say  farewell  to  the  dear  child  whose  home 
was  now  to  be  in  England.  As  it  was 
spoken,  she  said  : “ Oh  ! father,  I shall  never 
see  you  again.”  These  words  proved  but 
too  prophetic,  and  chilled  those  who  heard 
them  for  the  moment,  although  at  the  time 
her  father  was  so  well,  that  all  who  saw 
him  thought  he  had  taken  a new  lease  of 
life,  and  that  many  years  of  usefulness  were 
still  before  him. 

After  stopping  two  days  in  Wales,  and 
visiting  another  of  his  old  English  friends, 
a visit  which  gave  much  happiness  to  Mr. 
Minturn,  marked  as  it  was  by  such  exceed- 
ing kindness,  and  spending  one  day  with 
some  charming  acquaintance  near  Man- 
chester, he  and  his  family  embarked  for 
New  York  in  the  Scotia,  on  2 2d  of  April. 

For  a fortnight  before  leaving  England, 
the  news  from  the  United  States  had  been 
intensely  interesting,  as  the  rapid  advance 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


229 


of  the  Northern  troops  was  bringing  about 
a close  to  the  dreadful  war,  which  for  four 
long  years  had  caused  so  much  suffering 
and  distress.  Before  the  travellers  quitted 
England  they  heard  the  decided  intelligence 
that  the  struggle  was  over.  This  caused 
evident  disappointment  to  those  who  had 
sympathized  with  the  South  ; but,  of  course, 
carried  Mr.  M inturn  and  his  family  home 
with  lightened  hearts. 

During  his  absence  abroad,  he  had  been 
able  to  exert  much  influence  in  circles 
where  it  was  of  importance  to  give  a cor- 
rect view  of  the  Northern  position,  and 
the  true  sentiments  of  our  people.  He 
not  only  exerted  this  influence  continually 
in  conversation  and  in  correspondence,  but 
also  persuaded  a friend,  whose  pen  he  knew 
to  be  powerful,  to  aid  him  in  disabusing 
the  minds  of  those  holding  incorrect  opin- 
ions, who  have  since  been  obliged  to  ac- 
knowledge how  greatly  they  were  mistaken 
and  how  just  were  Mr.  Minturn’s  views. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


A sad  shock  awaited  the  arrival  of  the 
Scotia.  When  the  vessel  reached  the  Nar- 
rows and  the  pilot  came  on  board,  and  the 
passengers  were  in  that  state  of  excitement 
and  suspense  always  experienced  when 
drawing  near  home,  and  expecting  news  of 
friends,  not  knowing  whether  it  is  to  be 
good  or  bad,  the  captain  called  all  together 
on  deck,  and  announced  that  President 
Lincoln  had  been  assassinated.  This  terri- 
ble announcement  fell  like  a thunderbolt ; 
the  moment  can  never  be  forgotten.  Had 
they  been  told  that  any  of  those  near- 
est to  them  had  paid  the  debt  of  nature  in 
the  ordinary  way,  it  could  not  have  been  a 
greater  shock  than  this  dreadful  news  gai^e 

(230) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


23I 


to  all  on  board.  Every  cheek  was  blanched, 
eyes  filled  with  tears,  and  those  who  had 
passed  ten  days  together  on  that  steamer, 
grasped  each  others  hands  in  sympathy,  as 
if  each  had  a common  sorrow. 

This  clouded  the  return  home,  which 
had  promised  to  be  so  bright.  As  they 
dfove  through  the  streets  of  New  York, 
the  buildings  were  all  draped  in  black.  It 
was  truly  a mournful  spectacle,  and  it  was 
with  tears,  rather  than  smiles,  that  they  re- 
ceived the  kindly  greeting  of  their  friends. 

On  account  of  this  public  sorrow,  great 
hesitation  was  felt  in  calling  together  the 
friends  of  the  family  a few  weeks  after,  to 
be  present  at  the  wedding  of  the  dear 
child,  whose  happiness  had  been  deferred 
until  she  could  be  married  in  her  father’s 
house.  But  the  wedding  took  place  the 
following  month  ; and  for  the  last  time  in 
Mr.  Minturn’s  life,  all  that  he  knew  and 
loved,  who  could  be,  were  gathered  under 
his  roof,  to  witness  the  commencement  of 


232 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


a new  bond,  which  was  to  last  for  so  short 
a time  here  below.* 

Few  individuals  have  had,  perhaps,  at  one 
moment  of  their  lives,  such  a combination 
of  worldly  prosperity  as  filled  the  cup  of  him 
whose  memoir  we  write.  He  constantly 
spoke  of  it  with  feelings  of  the  most  un- 
bounded gratitude,  only  equalled  by  the 
humility  with  which  he  accepted  it.  Four 
new  households  were  within  ten  minutes' 
walk  from  his  own  door ; and,  at  the  time  of 
which  we  now  speak,  the  one  only  draw- 
back to  his  complete  happiness,  was  the 
absence  of  his  dear  daughter  in  England. 

A letter  of  introduction  had  been  pre- 
sented to  Mr.  M inturn  on  board  the  Scotia 
by  the  Rev.  James  Frazer,  the  present 
Bishop  of  Manchester,  who  was  about  to 
visit  our  country  to  inspect  the  working 
of  the  present  school  system  and  make  a 
report  of  it  in  England. 

* This  beloved  and  accomplished  young  creature,  Edith 
Minturn  Sands,  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-three,  on  a voyage 
to  the  East,  in  the  Indian  Ocean,  on  the  7th  of  January,  1868. 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


233 


Mr.  Frazer  was  a frequent  guest  at  Mr. 
M inturn’s  house  that  summer ; and  we 
have  received  his  consent  to  publish  a 
letter  from  him,  written  after  Mr.  Minturn’s 
death,  showing  the  impression  his  character 
made  upon  a comparative  stranger : 

u Upton  Rectory,  Reading,  England, 
“ Ascension-Day , May  10 th,  1866. 

“My  dear  Mr.  Minturn, — Your  letter 
of  the  27th  of  April,  received  and  read  by 
me  this  morning,  cast  for  the  moment  a 
dark  cloud  over  the  brightness  of  this 
church-festival. 

“It  was  with  deep  sorrow  that  I learned 
that  one  whose  ‘ noble  life,’  as  you  so  justly 
and  proudly  call  it,  bore  such  consistent 
witness  to  that  festival’s  great  doctrine,  that 
those  who  are  really  risen  with  Christ  seek 
those  things  which  are  above — one,  too, 
whom  I had  been  drawn  to  respect  and 
almost  to  love  as  I have  respected  few 
whom  I have  known  for  so  short  a time, 
had  been  suddenly  struck  down,  now  just 


234 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


four  months  ago,  by  the  hand  of  death 
I feared,  too,  that  my  former  letter  (which 
I little  dreamed  when  I wrote  it  he  was 
never  to  receive)  might  by  some  rude  jar 
have  caused  pain  to  hearts  still  bleeding 
in  the  greenness  of  their  wounds.  Pray 
accept  for  yourself,  and  convey  to  your 
mother  and  your  family,  the  expression  of 
my  heartfelt  and  respectful  sympathy.  The 
tale  you  have  so  simply  told  me  of  your 
father’s  last  deeds  and  thoughts,  affected  me 
deeply ; so  did  the  eloquent  and  deserved 
tribute,  paid  to  his  memory  in  the  obituary 
notices  which  you  enclosed,  so  did  the  pho- 
tograph, vividly  recalling  his  well-remem- 
bered features,  which  I shall  treasure  not 
the  least  valued  among  the  portraits  of  my 
friends.  I am  grateful  that  you  supposed  I 
should  be  pleased  to  possess  such  a memo- 
rial of  one  whose  kindness  to  me,  while  I 
was  in  America,  can  never  be  forgotten. 

“ One  of  the  highest  lessons  I learned  in 
your  country  was  from  the  spectacle  of 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


235 


noble  public  spirit,  animated  and  governed 
by  the  purest  motives,  which  appeared  to 
me  to  actuate  your  best  citizens ; and  in 
your  father  it  shone  with  all  the  higher 
lustre  of  a philanthropy  based  on  Chris- 
tian principles.  Providence  hath  blessed 
him  with  wealth,  and  his  wealth  was  as  old 
Pindar  has  it 

‘ II/l ovrog  aperaig  dedal  daXpevob 
$epcov  rd)V  re  Kai  r&v  naipov 

He  never  seems  willingly  to  have  missed  an 
opportunity  of  doing  all  the  good  he  could ; 
and  that  story  told  of  his  carrying  in  his 
arms  the  poor  fever-stricken  emigrant,  in- 
dicates at  once  the  courage  and  tenderness 
of  his  character.  Such  a life  is  in  the  high- 
est sense  exemplary. 

“In  my  own  intercourse  with  your  father, 
I could  feel  distinctly  what  is  noticed  by 
the  writer  who  has  so  justly  estimated  his 
worth,  the  secret  indefinable  charm  exer- 
cised over  those  who  came  within  the  range 


236 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


of  his  influence  by  the  high  tone  of  his 
character,  its  transparent,  simple,  unaffected 
goodness.  I do  not  know  when  I spent 
pleasanter  or  more  profitable  days  than 
those  which,  through  his  and  your  mother’s 
kindness,  I was  privileged  to  spend  at  Has- 
tings, just  before  I returned  home,  where  I 
met  Bishop  Whipple,  Mr.  Brace,  Mr.  Hart- 
ley, and  others,  all  animated  by  the  same 
high  unselfish  motive  that  characterized 
him.  His  name  will  never  be  mentioned 
among  you  but  with  reverence  and  pride. 
Of  all  sorrow,  the  one  most,  supportable  is 
that  which  our  own  lamented  Keble  calls 

* the  holy  sorrow 
When  good  men  cease  to  live.’ 

To  the  lips  of  every  one  who  knew  your 
father’s  life,  the  prayer  involuntarily  will 
spring,  ‘ May  I die  the  death  of  the  right- 
eous, and  may  my  last  end  be  like  his.’ 

“ Y ours  most  sincerely, 


“James  Frazer.” 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  237 

This  year,  1865,  was  a most  remarkable 
one  in  Mr.  M inturn’s  life.  It  seemed  as  if 
the  new  vigour  and  comparative  health  to 
which  he  had  been  restored  was  only  given 
him  to  complete  the  work  which  still  re- 
mained for  him  to  do.  He  renewed  in- 
timacies, exchanged  visits  with  old  friends, 
and  made  pleasant  excursions;  several  with 
his  friend,  Mr.  Alfred  Pell.  This  friendship 
had  existed  from  childhood,  and  had  been 
greatly  strengthened  in  latter  years,  by  the 
affectionate  interest  Mr.  Pell  always  mani- 
fested in  the  health  and  happiness  of  Mr. 
M inturn,  doing  all  he  could  to  contribute 
to  his  pleasure  and  recreation. 

But  all  the  time,  Mr.  M inturn  was  steadi- 
ly, busily,  employed  in  setting  his  “ house  in 
order.”  His  private  papers,  his  correspon- 
dence, which  had  never  been  so  extensive 
and  so  varied  as  at  this  period, — his  busi- 
ness matters,  his  extensive  charities,  all  re- 
ceived attention,  and  all  were  found  after 
his  death  in  such  a condition  as  to  prevent 


238 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


either  trouble  or  anxiety.  As  we  have 
previously  stated  one  of  his  latest  acts  was 
placing  in  other  hands  the  land  so  long 
held  for  the  purpose  of  making  it  useful  for 
charitable  institutions.  His  visits  to  his 
friends  were  all  marked  by  peculiar  tender- 
ness and  kindness ; and  his  heart  seemed 
overflowing  with  “ love  to  God  and  good 
will  to  man.”  As  one  little  instance  of  this, 
we  must  record  the  personal  care  he  gave, 
when  the  Rev.  E.  T.  Cook,  who  had  been 
his  ward,  was  removed  this  summer  by 
typhoid  fever.  Mr.  M inturn  went  to  the 
city  at  once,  made  every  arrangement  for 
the  comfort  of  the  other  members  of  the 
family,  some  of  whom  were  ill,  wished  to 
have  a part  of  them  removed  to  his  own 
city  house,  and  ordered  that  certain  refresh- 
ments should  be  taken  to  them  daily  from 
a confectioner’s.  It  was  this  constant  ful- 
filment of  the  law  of  kindness  by  innumer- 
able little  acts  of  the  most  delicate  thought- 
fulness, that  showed  his  special  character, 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  239 

and  did  so  much  for  the  happiness  of  the 
human  family.  He  took  great  interest  in  all 
his  young  friends.  At  one  time  during  this 
summer,  on  hearing  of  the  engagement  of  a 
young  lady,  intimate  with  his  daughters,  he 
sat  down  instantly  and  wrote  her  a note  of 
congratulation.  He  was  keenly  alive  to  all 
that  was  pleasant,  or  the  reverse,  among 
young  people ; and  his  impressions  were 
painful,  as  he  observed  the  growth  of  extra- 
vagance in  dress  in  the  streets  of  New  York. 
He  spoke  of  it  with  regret,  saying,  “ Why 
will  they  destroy  natural  gifts  by  loading 
themselves  with  finery.” 

As  he  thus  interested  himself  with  the 
gentle  sex,  so  also  did  he  with  his  young 
men  friends.  There  was  always  a cordial 
interest  manifested  which  was  certain  to 
win  affection.  This  cannot  be  better  ex- 
emplified than  by  one  or  two  remarks 
made  in  letters  of  condolence  from  these 
young  men  after  Mr.  Min  turn’s  death.  One 
says:  “ He  was  my  father’s  most  esteemed 


240 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


friend,  and  one  to  whom  I had  always  look- 
ed as  to  the  fairest  earthly  model  by  which 
a young  man  could  guide  his  life.”  An- 
other writes : “ Poor  consolation  as  it  may 
be  to  you  at  present,  in  the  future  it  will  be 
a source  of  just  pride,  to  remember  how 
unanimous  has  been  the  cry  of  sorrow  and 
the  tribute  of  praise  called  forth  by  the 
death  of  your  father.  One  of  the  noblest 
of  men,  and  the  most  upright  of  merchants, 
he  has  left  behind  a glorious  example  and 
memory.  I feel  that  I can  add  nothing  to 
the  universal  tribute  paid  him,  or  to  the 
many  eulogies  all  of  which  fall  short  of  his 
deserts.  I can  but  feel  his  great  kindness 
to  me  at  all  times,  and  the  ready  sympathy 
with  which,  when  I first  entered  business, 
he  welcomed  me,  to  use  his  own  words,  ‘to 
the  guild  of  merchants/  I shall  never  for- 
get that  his  voice  was  the  first  to  bid  me 
God -speed  in  my  new  career.  I trust 
never  to  dishonour  the  interest  he  showed 
in  me.” 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  1 

We  might  dwell,  perhaps  unwisely,  on 
the  many  points  of  interest  to  those  most 
nearly  related  to  Mr.  Minturn  ; but  we  can- 
not forbear  to  mention  again,  that  during 
this  last  year,  there  was  such  an  evident  de- 
sire to  spread  happiness  on  all  around  him* 
as  was  very  remarkable.  His  time  had  been 
so  engrossed  by  business  formerly,  that  he 
was  often  prevented  from  giving  attention 
to  minor  matters  in  his  own  home.  Now 
he  seemed  to  think  of  everything  and  of 
every  one.  The  new  households  of  his 
children  were  continually  gladdened  by  his 
presence,  and  enriched  by  his  gifts.  New 
Year’s  day,  1866,  he  called  on  his  elder  rel- 
atives and  more  intimate  friends ; and  it 
was  noticed  by  several  of  them,  that  his  vis- 
its were  of  an  especially  interesting  and  even 
instructive  character,  and  that  he  seemed 
reluctant  to  say  farewell.  His  eldest  daugh- 
ter, who  had  been  too  much  out  of  health, 
during  her  married  life,  to  collect  her  friends 
around  her  in  any  number,  had  proposed 
16 


242 


A MEMORIAL. 


doing  so  early  this  new  year.  Her  father 
entered  earnestly  into  her  plans,  and  prom- 
ised to  give  her  all  the  aid  he  could,  by  his 
presence  and  in  other  ways.  And  in  con- 
nection with  this  season  of  the  year,  we 
must  not  omit  to  mention  his  annual  testi- 
mony to  the  value  of  missions,  in  which  he 
always  showed  the  deepest  interest,  it  being 
his  custom  to  give  a large  donation,  appro- 
priate to  his  means,  and  to  his  sense  of  the 
obligation  of  every  Christian  to  fulfil  the 
commands  of  our  Lord — “ Go  preach  the 
Gospel  ”■ — on  the  occasion  of  the  Epiphany 
offering,  in  the  church  of  the  Holy  Com- 
munion, a service  which  has  always  been 
marked  by  its  beauty  and  interest.  Thus 
while  conferring  happiness  on  those  imme- 
diately around  him,  we  find  him  not  omit- 
ting the  weightier  duties  of  the  Christian. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


On  the  morning  of  the  7th  of  January, 
Mr.  Minturn  attended  his  own  church,  the 
Holy  Communion,  and  remained  to  par- 
take of  the  Sacrament,  which  had  been  his 
habit  for  a long  period,  on  each  returning 
Sunday.  He  always  considered  this  a most 
inestimable  privilege,  remarking  to  one  who 
was  with  him,  on  one  occasion,  that  “ he 
fully  believed  in  the  real  presence,  not,  of 
course,  in  the  elements,  but  in  the  spiritual 
reception  of  the  Sacrament.” 

Between  the  services  that  day,  he  called 
on  all  his  children,  and  in  the  afternoon  ac- 
companied his  son,  and  other  members  of 
his  family,  to  a small  new  church,  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  city,  in  which  his  son  had 

(243) 


\ 


244 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


been  interested.  On  his  way  there  and 
back,  his  children  remonstrated  with  him 
for  moving  so  carelessly  over  the  ice.  But 
he  seemed  so  buoyant  and  bright,  they  said, 
and  as  he  walked  he  spoke  most  kindly  of 
this  effort  to  establish  a church,  excusing 
the  ritualistic  tendencies  which  were  so 
apparent.  We  may,  however,  feel  very  sure, 
that  had  he  lived  to  see  the  extent  to  which 
this  imitating  the  externals  of  Romanism 
had  been  carried,  without  the  apologies  we 
may  make  for  the  Romish  Church,  he  would 
have  withdrawn  his  sanction  from  what  he 
thought  might  be  tolerated,  in  the  hope  of 
effecting  good. 

Mrs.  Minturn’s  sister  had  returned  the 
latter  part  of  December  from  England,  and 
brought  recent  news,  gratifying  to  Mr. 
M inturn,  who  drank  in  greedily  every  word 
about  the  dear  daughter  and  the  infant 
grandchild  over  the  Atlantic.  Mrs.  Min- 
turn’s aunts,  and  a very  dear  friend  of  all, 
Miss  Laura  Savage,  were  guests  at  this 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


245 


time ; and  on  that  Sunday  evening,  a hap- 
py family  circle  was  gathered  together,  little 
dreaming  of  the  shadow  in  the  background. 

The  morning  of  Monday  the  8th,  was 
one  of  the  most  intense  cold  that  had  been 
known  for  years.  Mrs.  M inturn  would 
have,  persuaded  her  husband  not  to  go  out, 
but  he  would  never  be  influenced  by  argu- 
ments which  affected  only  himself. 

He  had  been  much  interested  in  making 
large  purchases  with  his  valued  friend,  Mr. 
John  C.  Green,  and  other  gentlemen,  foi 
the  freedmen,  then  suffering  extremely,  at 
the  South.  He  had  attended  personally  to 
these  purchases,  and  this  morning  was  oc- 
cupied in  completing  and  sending  off  the 
articles. 

But  before  leaving  his  house  to  go  down 
town,  he  had  visited  every  room  in  it,  to 
see  himself  that  every  member  of  his  family 
was  comfortable,  and  protected  from  the 
cold.  He  went  up  to  the  apartment  of  an 
aged  coloured  servant,  who  was  cared  for  in 


246 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


the  house ; down  to  the  kitchen,  to  the 
laundry,  urging  the  servants  who  were 
obliged  to  go  in  and  out  to  protect  them- 
selves from  the  cold  by  extra  clothing. 
And  he  did  not  forget  the  shivering  poor 
in  the  frozen  streets,  but  gave  strict  orders 
to  have  large  supplies  of  tea  and  soup  kept 
hot  all  day,  that  if  any  beggars  came  to  the 
door,  they  might  for  a moment,  at  least,  be 
made  warm  and  comfortable. 

At  the  counting-house,  his  sons  remarked, 
after  the  middle  of  the  day,  that  he  was  not 
well,  but  found  it  difficult  to  persuade  him 
to  leave.  When  remonstrated  with,  he  said, 
“ God  has  been  very  good  to  me  ; I must  do 
what  I can  for  Him.”  When  he  left  the  of- 
fice to  go  home,  he  turned  and  said,  “ Have  I 
done  everything  ?”  He  had.  His  work  in 
life  was  ended.  He  entered  the  omnibus 
with  some  difficulty ; and  before  proceeding 
far,  his  son,  observing  that  something  was 
amiss,  stopped  with  him  on  the  way,  and 
procuring  assistance,  placed  him  in  a car- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  247 

riage,  and  brought  him  home.  But  his 
farewell  had  been  said  in  the  morning. 
Medical  aid  was  called  in  ; his  children  all 
gathered  together,  and  in  or  about  that 
room  watched  for  the  last  sigh,  which  came 
about  one  o’clock,  on  the  morning  of  the 
9th. 

At  an  early  hour  the  sad  news  went 
swiftly  through  the  town.  Among  the  be- 
loved friends  who  saw  the  cherished  re- 
mains, while  still  lying  as  if  in  a calm  and 
happy  sleep  on  his  usual  couch,  was  his  old 
friend  and  pastor,  Rev.  Dr.  Muhlenberg. 
As  he  gazed  with  emotion  at  what,  so  short 
a time  before,  would  have  greeted  him  with 
a cordial  welcome,  he  said,  “Truly  he  was  a 
priest  anointed  of  God.” 

It  had  been  the  often  expressed  wish  of 
Mr.  M inturn,  that  he  might  die  in  the  coun- 
try, and  be  quietly  placed  in  his  grave,  with- 
out a concourse  of  friends.  But  that  was 
not  to  be ; and  while  he  lay  in  his  marble 
beauty,  with  a heavenly  expression  on  his 


248 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


face,  the  house  was  continually  besieged  by 
those  who  came  to  look  upon  that  face  for 
the  last  time.  Friends  came  from  distant 
cities;  and  one  who  had  known  and  loved 
him  for  many  years,  remarked,  “ Robert’s  is  a 
beautifully  finished  life  ” 

On  the  day  of  the  funeral,  the  Holy 
Communion,  a church  of  many  memories, 
was  far  too  small  to  hold  the  concourse  of 
mourners  ; not  half  the  number  could  enter 
the  building.  The  chants  were  sung,  and 
the  hymn  which  he  had  repeated  on  awak- 
ing a few  mornings  before,  “ How  firm  a 
foundation,  ye  saints  of  the  Lord.” 

The  sermon  was  simply  this : Dr.  Muhl- 
enberg read  the  8th  verse  of  the  vi.  chap- 
ter of  Micah : “He  hath  shewed  thee,  O man, 
what  is  good ; and  what  doth  the  Lord  re- 
quire of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love 
mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God 
and  then  added,  “Thus  did  he.” 

On  the  Sunday  morning  following,  Dr. 
Muhlenberg  devoted  the  whole  of  the  ser- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


249 


moil  to  the  memory  of  his  beloved  friend. 
It  is  a difficult  task  to  sum  up  such  a char- 
acter as  Mr.  Minturn’s;  one  of  such  delicate 
organization,  of  such  acute  sensibilities.  It 
has  been  beautifully  sketched  by  many  who 
knew  him  as  he  was  known  to  the  world ; 
but  we  feel  that  the  task  is  not  done,  nor  the 
example  made  sufficiently  forcible,  did  we 
not  say  what  we  know , that  his  was  a char- 
acter which  time,  patience,  effort  and  trial 
had  perfected.  He  was  an  impetuous  and 
impulsive  youth ; but  as  an  aged  relative 
once  remarked,  “ it  was  a great  blessing  that 
his  impulses  were  good.”  He  learned  so 
well  how  to  control  them,  that  he  became 
remarkable  for  his  caution  and  prudence. 
Like  other  young  people,  he  was  ambitious, 
and  his  great  success  must  have  had  its  in- 
fluence upon  his  feelings  of  pride  and  self- 
satisfaction.  He,  nevertheless,  studiously 
avoided  display  and  self-indulgence,  and  his 
principle  and  habit  was,  “ Let  your  moder- 
ation be  known  unto  all  men.” 


250 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


As  he  advanced  in  life,  and  wealth  in- 
creased, there  was,  doubtless,  the  same 
temptation  to  accumulate,  inevitable  under 
such  circumstances,  for  the  habits  of  care 
and  economy,  which  are  for  the  most  part 
the  foundation  of  a fortune,  lead  later  in  life 
to  a clinging  to  that  which  has  been  thus 
acquired.  But  if  subject  to  this  temptation 
with  others,  it  was  most  successfully  com- 
batted ; and  the  duty  of  giving  largely,  care- 
fully, consistently,  and  systematically,  left 
no  room  for  the  indulgence  of  such  a pas- 
sion as  avarice.  Indeed,  the  last  few  years 
of  his  life,  he  seemed  as  if  he  would  divest 
himself  of  that  which  he  feared  perhaps 
might  tie  his  spirit  to  earth.  He  was  nat- 
urally and  impulsively  generous ; but  as  he 
grew  older,  his  charities  became  a source  of 
anxiety  and  care,  as  he  felt  so  great  a re- 
sponsibility in  the  method  and  manner  of 
giving.  He  entirely  approved  of  systemat- 
ic charity,  although  he  sometimes  indulged 
in  giving  where  his  feelings  were  touched. 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


251 


There  was  ever  with  him  a growing  inner 
life.  Often,  when  speaking  of  the  active 
benevolence  which  had  led  him  to  occupy 
himself  with  schemes  for  the  benefit  of  his 
fellow  men,  he  has  said,  “ The  work  of  sal- 
vation is  within  us.”  Again,  at  other  times, 
“ The  great  work  which  we  have  to  do,  is 
to  watch  over  our  thoughts,  and  the  mo- 
tives which  influence  our  actions.”  This 
study  of  himself  caused  such  a depth  of  hu- 
mility, as  is  rarely  seen.  Nothing  was  so 
painful  to  him  as  praise ; he  shrank  from  it 
as  others  do  from  censure. 

There  was  no  false  enthusiasm,  and  no 
self-righteousness  in  his  religion.  It  was 
Faith  and  Works,  alternately,  illustrated  by 
each  other.  His  character  had  gradually 
grown  into  that  spiritual  stature  to  which  we 
see  few  attain  on  earth.  During  the  last 
few  years  of  his  life,  his  reading  had  been 
almost  entirely  confined  to  the  Scriptures, 
and  commentaries  upon  them ; particularly 
upon  the  gospels,  the  epistles,  and  the 


252 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


psalms.  He  was  so  much  interested  in 
Milman’s  Church  History,  at  the  time  of 
his  death,  that  in  the  holiday  week  which 
just  preceded  it,  when  he  saw  that  all  oth- 
ers were  occupying  themselves  happily,  he 
would  slip  away  into  his  library,  and  enjoy 
himself  with  this  book. 

His  life  had  been  one  of  prayer,  but 
increasingly  so  for  a long  period,  until  at 
last  he  literally  “ prayed  without  ceasing.” 
In  the  railroad  cars,  when  travelling,  or 
when  sitting  quietly,  as  he  thought,  unob- 
served, one  would  see  his  eyes  often  closed, 
and  his  lips  moving.  His  family  prayers 
were  most  earnest,  while  his  morning  and 
evening  private  devotions  were  never  omit- 
ted. 

Thus,  from  youth  to  manhood,  shunning 
the  dangers  of  such  separate  and  inevitable 
temptation  which  accompanies  the  pilgrim 
of  life,  he  has  fought  the  good  fight,  he  has 
finished  his  course ; and  without  one  doubt, 
we  write,  that  “ henceforth  there  is  laid  up 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  253 

for  him  a crown,  which  the  Lord  the  right- 
eous God  will  give  him  in  that  day.” 

The  following  beautiful  tribute  was  of- 
fered by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Randall,  rector  of  St. 
Albans  : 

“ Of  him,  who,  since  last  Lord’s  day,  has 
been  advanced  to  glory,  without  an  ap- 
proach to  conventional  hyperbole,  it  may 
be  said,  with  boldness,  that  ‘when  the 
ear  heard  him,  then  it  blessed  him;  and 
when  the  eye  saw  him,  it  gave  witness  to 
him ; because  he  delivered  the  poor  that 
cried,  and  the  fatherless,  and  him  that  had 
none  to  help  him.  The  blessing  of  him 
that  was  ready  to  perish  came  upon  him, 
and  he  caused  the  widow’s  heart  to  sing  for 
joy.  He  put  on  righteousness,  and  it 
clothed  him.  His  judgment  was  as  a robe 
and  a diadem.  In  very  truth,  he  was  eyes 
to  the  blind,  and  feet  was  he  to  .the  lame  ; 
and  the  cause  which  he  knew  not,  he 
searched  it  out.’ 

“Right  dear  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord 


254 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


must  have  been  the  death  of  one  who  so 
walked  in  love.  Transporting  welcome 
from  the  company  of  those  who,  having 
finished  their  course  in  faith,  do  now  rest 
from  their  labours,  awaiting  in  Paradise  the 
full  measure  of  a great  reward — must  he 
have  received  whose  departure  hence  has 
too  truly  proved  the  general  bereavement. 

“ The  world  will,  doubtless,  with  pride  pay 
tribute  to  his  unblemished  reputation, 
throughout  its  own  province ; to  his  un- 
questioned and  unquestionable  integrity  in 
its  own  sphere ; to  his  high  social  position, 
and  his  remarkable  taste,  to  his  broad  ob- 
servation and  his  solid  understanding;  but 
the  church,  wherein  he  was  new  born  to 
God,  will  remember  mostly,  and  will  dwell 
with  more  than  a mother’s  thankfulness 
upon  his  gentleness,  goodness,  and  guile- 
lessness of  heart ; his  deep  devotion  to 
Jesus,  his  only  master,  his  loving  care  of 
those  who,  in  this  like  Jesus , had  not  where 
to  lay  their  heads. 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  255 

‘ “ Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the 
Lord : even  so,  saith  the  Spirit,  for  they 
rest  from  their  labours.”  ’ 


CHAPTER  XV. 


The  Rev.  Dr.  Cook,  of  St.  Bartholo- 
mew’s, in  preaching  a funeral  discourse 
from  the  14th  verse  of  the  2d  chapter  of 
Titus,  “Who  gave  himself  for  us  that  he 
might  purify  unto  himself  a peculiar  peo- 
ple,” closed  the  sermon  thus : 

“ A man  has  just  passed  from  our  midst, 
whose  prominence  in  social  position,  and 
in  the  high  qualities  which  give  force  and 
value  to  character,  made  more  distinctive 
the  peculiar  traits  of  the  Christian  to 
which  the  text  refers.  Standing  almost 
alone  in  his  devotion  to  the  things  which 
the  Saviour  has  commanded,  he  was  ena- 
bled to  resist  the  selfish  and  worldly  views, 
and  practices  which  here  obtain,  and  to  live 
(256) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  257 

a high  and  pure  and  holy  life,  all  above  the 
range  of  most  of  his  associates  and  friends. 
While  they  were  living  for  this  world,  he 
was  living  for  another ; with  the  clear  eye 
of  faith  he  discerned  the  things  which 
cannot  be  moved,  and  with  the  full  heart 
of  love  he  sought  to  do  the  work  to  which 
the  Master  called  him.  Many  and  long 
ago  were  the  years  in  which  he  learned  the 
lesson  that  there  was  more  honour  and 
reward  in  putting  shoes  upon  the  feet  of  a 
ragged  child,  than  in  calling  the  rich  to  a 
feast,  or  in  heaping  up  money,  without 
knowledge  of,  or  regard  to,  its  future  his- 
tory and  uses. 

“ That  lesson  gave  shape  and  colour  to 
his  life.  An  earnest,  and  intelligent,  and 
devoted  Christian,  he  has  long  been  known 
to  this  community  as  the  foremost  man  in 
all  schemes  of  benevolence,  and  as  the  fore- 
most layman  of  the  church  to  which  he 
belonged.  Where  there  was  good  to  be 
done,  in  an  intelligent  and  proper  manner, 

17 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


258 

there  was  he  always  to  be  found,  either  in 
person  or  by  his  gifts.  He  did  not  wait  to 
be  asked  or  solicited,  but,  keeping  his  eye 
upon  everything  that  was  in  progress  for 
the  good  of  man,  his  strong  hand  of  help 
would  come  when  least  expected,  and  his 
kind  voice  and  smile  would  cheer  up  and 
sustain  those  who  were  faint  and  discour- 
aged in  their  work.  Thus  did  he  arrest 
many  a trembling  cause,  and  save  it  from 
defeat.  He  never  ceased — he  never  stop- 
ped— he  was  alive  and  at  work  for  the 
Lord,  in  all  places,  at  all  times,  in  all 
forms;  now  pouring  thousands  of  dollars 
into  the  collection-plate  for  missions,  and 
the  next  day  at  the  bed-side  of  a sick  man, 
his  hands  filled  with  little  comforts  for  the 
body,  while  he  talked  to  him  of  what  the 
Saviour  had  done  for  his  soul.  The  fact 
that  he  had  given  to  one  thing  was  never 
with  him  a reason  why  he  should  not  give 
to  another ; he  was  as  likely  to  do  a noble 
act  to-day,  after  having  done  one  yesterday 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


259 


and  to  do  something  noble  to-morrow,  after 
doing  the  same  to-day.  This  was  his  prin- 
ciple, his  aim,  his  life,  his  love,  the  fulness 
of  his  mind  and  heart,  thankful  for  the 
means,  and  glad  of  the  opportunity. 

“He  was  not  careless  or  impatient ; he 
looked  into  things,  and  saw  what  he  was 
doing.  If  a man  from  some  distant  section 
of  the  land  called  upon  him  at  his  place  of 
business,  in  relation  to  some  work,  school, 
college,  church,  building,  or  some  such  thing, 
he  would  ask  him,  if  he  did  not  understand 
the  application,  to  meet  him  at  his  house ; 
and  sometimes  he  would  spend  hours  with 
him  in  reading  his  papers,  discussing  his 
plans,  and  gaining  a full  knowledge  of  his 
work.  Then  he  would  advise  him,  as  well 
as  aid  him,  sometimes  taking  such  an  inter- 
est as  almost  to  make  the  cause  his  own. 
Very  few  subscription  books  left  the  city 
without  having  his  mark  in  them  ; while 
he  knew  more  of  the  plans  and  prospects 
which  they  represented  than  almost  any 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


2 60 

other  man.  Where  he  was  in  all  the  good 
works  of  our  city  is  well  known,  where  he 
has  been  for  years  foremost  in  zeal  and  lib- 
erality, ready,  kind,  patient,  willing — any- 
thing for  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  the  good 
of  man. 

Below  all  this,  at  its  foundation,  was  his 
clear  and  strong  and  humble  Christian 
character,  an  abiding  faith  in  the  truths  of 
his  holy  religion,  a living  upon  its  hopes 
and  promises,  Christ  ‘ all  and  in  all  ’ his  joy 
and  portion. 

“ When  we  think  upon  his  work,  in  its 
constancy,  and  range,  and  variety,  we  are 
reminded  of  what  Edmund  Burke  said  of 
the  life  of  Howard,  ‘ It  was  a circumnavi- 
gation of  charity.’  But  the  voyage  is  ended, 
the  sails  are  furled,  and  all  is  still. 

“ I see  that  the  public  are  not  unmindful 
of  his  worth  and  of  their  loss.  Who  is  to 
stand  for  him  in  the  days  to  come  ? Alas — 
who ? Labour,  toil,  love  — once;  now — 
rest,  peace,  joy.  ‘Thou  hast  been  faithful 


ROBERT  BuWNE  MINTURN. 


261 


over  a few  things,  I will  make  thee  ruler 
over  many  things,  enter  thou  into  the  joy 
of  thy  Lord/  ” 

In  Bishop  Potter’s  Annual  Address  to 
his  diocese  for  the  year  1866,  he  writes — 
‘ The  Church,  in  this  city  and  diocese,  and 
indeed  in  the  country  at  large,  for  there  was 
no  limit  to  his  benefactions  and  his  kindly 
offices,  will  ever  keep  enrolled  high  on  the 
scroll  of  her  worthies,  the  name  of  Robert 
B.  Minturn. 

“It  were  useless  to  speak  of  what  every 
one  knows,  except  to  gratify  our  own  loving 
and  grateful  instincts,  and  to  proclaim  the 
glories  of  the  Church.  He  often  sought 
concealment  in  his  good  works,  and  many 
of  them  will  be  disclosed  only  when  the 
veil  shall  be  taken  away  from  all  human 
things.  But  frequently  they  were  too  full 
of  blessings  to  endure  the  secrecy  to  which 
they  were  consigned.  The  effects  appeared, 
and  grateful  hearts  would  speak  in  spite  of 
prohibitions.  How  many  churches  all  over 


262 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


the  land  have  risen  in  part  through  his  offer- 
ings, and  his  efficient  encouragement ! In 
hundreds  of  holy  places,  North,  East,  West, 
and  South,  the  stones  cry  out  from  the  walls 
to  speak  his  praise.  It  was  largely  due  to 
him  that  so  many  free  churches  arose  to  af- 
ford equal  privileges  to  all  and  to  direct  atten- 
tion to  some  of  the  abuses  connected  with 
the  sale  and  renting  of  pews.  There  might 
be  times  when  the  warmest  of  friends  differ- 
ed from  him  as  to  views  of  duty,  but  there 
never  was  any  possibility  of  doubting  the 
earnest  uses  and  sincerity  of  his  convic- 
tions. 

“ His  worldly  business,  during  much  of 
his  life,  made  large  demand  upon  his  time 
and  thoughts,  but  he  always  found  leisure 
to  serve  on  numerous  committees  connected 
with  the  Church  or  with  general  works  of 
benevolence ; and  above  all  he  always  found 
time  to  give  a large  number  of  poor  per- 
sons a most  patient,  minute,  and  painstak- 
ing attention. 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  263 

“ This  last  feature  of  his  character,  con- 
sidering the  pressing  nature  of  his  engage- 
ments, was  something  more  remarkable 
than  anything  I ever  observed  in  any  other 
person.  And  besides  these  more  private 
ministries  among  the  poor,  we  all  know 
how  devotedly  he  laboured  for  several 
years,  and  how  much  he  exposed  himself 
in  his  exertions  among  the  emigrants  while 
serving  as  one  of  the  commissioners. 

“To  the  clergy  he  was  the  kindest  of 
friends.  Not  a few  of  them,  when  exhaust- 
ed by  toil  and  care,  have  found  relief  largely 
through  his  kind  agency,  in  a foreign  ex- 
cursion. Of  St.  Luke’s  Hospital  he  was 
one  of  the  earliest  and  most  active  sup- 
porters, and  he  continued  to  preside  over 
its  Board  of  Trustees  until  removed  by 
death. 

“ Excuse  this  feeble  tribute  from  one  who 
for  thirty  years  experienced  his  kindness, 
who  was  an  attentive  and  admiring  ob- 
server of  his  life  and  labours,  and  who, 


264 


A MEMORIAL. 


toward  the  end,  was  surprised  by  a crown- 
ing testimony  of  his  unfailing  interest  and 
good-will ; unsolicited,  and  almost  as  if  for 
a parting  act  of  kindness,  he,  a year  ago, 
stretched  out  a generous  hand  in  an  effort 
to  sustain  hopes  which  now  lie  buried  in 
the  grave” 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


From  a very  large  mass  of  letters  received 
by  the  family  after  Mr.  Minturn’s  death,  we 
publish  a few  nearly  entire,  and  quote  from 
others  passages  which  give  evidence  of  his 
peculiar  character,  and  of  the  way  in  which 
it  was  appreciated  by  all  with  whom  he 
came  in  contact.  This  may  seem  needless 
after  the  perusal  of  his  life,  and  yet  we 
would  fain  leave  nothing  undone  which 
will  make  more  evident  the  beauty  of  that 
life,  and  more  forcible  its  example. 

The  first  selection  is  from  a note  of 
Bishop  Potter’s,  written  on  the  9th  of 
January — “ I went  immediately  to  look 
upon  that  dear  face  and  to  see  if  in  any 
way  I could  minister  any  aid  or  comfort. 

(265) 


266 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


Such  beauty  of  expression  in  death  I never 
saw  before.  How  well  it  answered  to  the 
life ! And  how  it  made  me  feel  that  for 
him  there  was  no  need  to  mourn,  much  as 
we  might  and  must  mourn  for  ourselves 
Thirty  years  last  June,  I think,  were  passed 
away  since  I united  you  in  the  sacred 
bonds.  How  much  you  have  to  thank 
God  for ! And  how  much  in  him  I have 
to  be  thankful  for.  He  has  been  a kind 
friend  in  a thousand  ways,  and  I have  en- 
joyed through  him  unnumbered  privileges, 
the  greatest  of  all,  the  privilege  of  knowing 
him  intimately,  and  of  learning  from  his 
example” 

The  following  letter  is  from  Mr.  George 
D.  Morgan  of  Irvington,  written  on  the 
15th  of  January,  to  Mr.  R.  B.  Minturn  : 

“ Dear  Sir, — I greatly  mourn  the  death 
of  your  dear  honoured  father.  He  was  the 
best  man  I ever  knew.  During  the  closing 
weeks  of  his  life  I saw  much  of  him  in 
connection  with  the  Freedmen’s  Commis- 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  267 

sion,  and  while  we  were  together  for  almost 
a whole  da y in  Brooklyn,  purchasing  cloth- 
ing for  the  freedmen,  we  had  a delightful 
conversation,  in  which  he  spoke  of  the  en- 
joyment he  had  had  in  residing  in  the 
country  the  past  season,  of  his  winter’s  resi- 
dence in  England,  and  most  of  all  he  dwelt 
upon  his  Saviour,  of  the  unsatisfying  nature 
of  this  life,  and  of  the  preciousness  of 
heaven.  I shall  always  hold  in  sacred  re- 
membrance these  and  many  other  words 
that  now  seem  almost  prophetic  to  my 
mind.  I received  a note  from  him  dated 
on  the  8th  instant,  written  in  haste,  if  not 
in  suffering,  probably  but  a few  hours  before 
his  departure,  asking  me  to  meet  him  the 
next  day.  The  blessed  legacy  of  his  pure 
example,  and  of  his  noble  character,  will 
comfort  you  even  in  the  midst  of  your 
great  affliction.” 

Bishop  Whipple  writes  to  Mr.  John 
Minturn,  on  the  20th  of  January,  as  fol- 
lows : 


268 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


“My  Dear  Friend, — Your  letter  con- 
firmed my  fears,  and  brought  me  the  sad 
tidings  that  your  valued  father  is  dead. 
No,  not  dead— he  is  only  gone  before  ; he 
lives  here  in  all  our  hearts,  in  all  his  blessed 
deeds,  in  all  the  seed  sown,  which  will  bear 
a harvest.  He  lives  in  the  rest  of  the  peo- 
ple of  God.  To  him  it  is  great  gain  ; 
death  never  is  sudden  to  servants  with  gar- 
ments girded.  He  was  always  busy.  He 
was  the  most  unselfish  man  I ever  knew. 
His  quiet  example  always  made  me  ashamed 
that  I did  not  do  more.  I feel  that  I owe 
him  my  life  and  the  new  lease  which  God 
seems  mercifully  to  have  given  me.  If  he 
was  so  dear  to  me,  if  I could  feel  as  if  half 
I had  on  earth  was  buried  in  his  grave, 
what  must  he  not  have  been  to  you,  who 
had  known  him  so  many  years — who  grew 
up  under  his  loving  eye,  who  had  his  daily 
counsel,  who  knelt  with  him  in  prayer  ! It 
will  be  a dark  sorrow  for  you,  but  such  a 
life  is  full  of  immortality.  Nature  may' 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  269 

make  kind,  generous,  noble  men,  but  it  is 
only  the  grace  of  Christ  which  makes  such 
a disciple  as  your  dear  father. 

“ I never  knew  a man  who  had  so  much 
of  Christ’s  love  for  the  suffering.  He 
seemed  to  want  to  cradle  the  poor  creatures 
in  his  arms.  While  I write  I think  of  a 
visit  we  paid  to  the  alleys  of  Edinburgh, 
and  how  tenderly  he  spoke  to  the  wretched, 
and  how  gladly  he  gave  to  the  poor  who 
could  be  helped.  The  world  is  a better 
world  because  he  lived  in  it,  and  I am  sure 
many  a child  of  sorrow  will  weep  when 
they  hear  ‘ the  poor  mans  friend ’ is  dead. 
There  was  another  feature  in  his  character, 
which  none  could  know  but  those  who  are 
trying  to  do  work  for  God.  He  always 
seemed  to  try  to  get  a little  of  the  load  on 
his  own  shoulders.  I know  I shall  always 
be  a happier  man  for  having  known  your 
father.  His  memory  will  be  one  of  the 
comforts  of  my  care-worn  life,  and  I am 
sure  that  the  rest  of  the  people  of  God 


270 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


will  seem  nearer,  by  the  hope  that  through 
the  pardoning  mercy  of  the  Saviour  I may 
meet  him  again  with  all  those  who  have 
overcome.” 

The  following  is  from  Bishop  Bedell  to 
Mrs.  Minturn  : 

Gambia,  Ohio,  Jan.  12th,  1866. 

“My  Dear  Friend, — In  this  hour  of 
your  deep  sorrow,  I trust  it  will  be  no  in- 
trusion for  me  to  express  Mrs.  Bedell’s  and 
my  own  very  sincere  sympathy.  Mr.  Min- 
turn was  so  universally  honoured  and  re- 
spected in  the  church  and  beyond  it ; so 
large-minded  in  his  charities  ; so  devoted 
to  every  scheme  which  seemed  to  him  to 
promise  advancement  to  the  cause  of  Christ, 
that  the  West  has  lost  a friend,  and  we  be- 
yond the  Alleghanies  feel  that  we  may 
mingle  our  grief  with  those  who  loved  him 
nearer  home. 

“ My  own  personal  acquaintance  with 
him,  as  you  are  aware,  dates  before  my 
coming  as  pastor  to  New  York.  In  all 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


271 


my  acquaintance  he  was  the  same  conscien- 
tious, high-minded,  benevolent,  kindly  man. 
I spent  an  hour  with  him  on  the  2d.  We 
talked  about  many  points  in  Western  Mis- 
sionary work.  His  heart  seemed  full  of  it. 
And,  although  he  did  not  respond  to  the 
particular  appeal  which  I presented,  he  de- 
clined with  such  evident  conscientiousness, 
and  with  such  singleness  of  purpose,  that 
it  diminished  not  an  iota  of  my  respect  and 
affection.  His  face,  although  pale  on  that 
day,  so  beamed  with  his  Master’s  love,  that 
I sat  longer  talking  with  him  than  I ought. 
I do  not  regret  it  now,  for  the  impression 
remains.  And  that  calm  and  placid  benev- 
olent countenance  is  now  lighted  with  a 
brighter  radiance,  as  he  looks  on  Him  who 
bought  him  with  his  blood.  It  is  but  a lit- 
tle way  across  the  flood — a step — -a  moment, 
and  we  pass  into  the  world  we  are  strug- 
gling for  through  this  pilgrimage  of  faith 
How  near  heaven  comes  to  us  when  one 
so  loved  enters  it. 


272 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


“ May  the  blessed  Comforter  sustain 
your  heart,  and  cheer  your  loneliness.  Re- 
member me  to  those  whom  I used  to  know 
as  children.  I trust  they  are  following  the 
steps  of  their  father,  in  the  imitation  of 
Jesus.  My  dear  friend  Louisa  will  feel  the 
stroke  keenly.  Give  her  my  love,  and  be- 
lieve me,  dear  friend, 

“ Y ours  sincerely, 

“ G.  T.  Bedell.” 

To  another  the  same  sympathetic  pen 
addressed  these  words  : “How  sad,  and  yet 
how  glorious,  about  Mr.  M inturn.  I am 
always  divided  in  emotion  at  such  a time. 
Work  well  done,  rest  begun.  The  service 
of  the  Saviour  by  faith  completed,  and  the 
joys  of  sight  commenced.  Labours  over, 
heaven  realized.  The  world  is  pleasant 
when  dear  ones  gather  round  you.  But  it 
has  not  much  else  attractive.  Amidst  a 
great  deal  of  kindness  and  a great  deal  of 
goodness,  there  is  an  overwhelming  amount 
of  evil  and  of  heartlessness.  And  after  a 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  273 

while  so  many  whom  we  love  are  on  the 
other  side  of  the  flood.  And  Christ  is 
there , not  here ! And  on  the  whole,  with 
the  Apostle,  I have  a desire  to  depart.  Our 
friend  M inturn  has  safely  passed  the  boun- 
dary, beloved  and  honoured.  Happy  man, 
sorrowful  we.” 

A gentleman  of  eminent  position  in 
California  writes,  January  2 2d  : 

“ I could  not,  if  I would,  refrain  from 
expressing  to  you  my  appreciation  of  the 
loss  which  has  befallen  your  household  in 
the  removal  of  that  profoundly  good  man 
and  worthy  Christian.  What  he  was  to 
you  and  your  children,  can  only  be  known 
within  the  secrets  of  your  own  hearts, 
where  he  always  dwelt,  and  where  a stran- 
ger, like  myself,  can  have  no  right  to  in- 
trude. 

“ But  you  will  pardon  me,  I trust,  when  I 

assure  you  that  in  Mr.  Minturn’s  death  I 

too  am  bereaved.  At  the  age  of  sixteen 

only,  a stranger  in  a strange  city,  he  took 
18 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


274 

me  kindly  by  the  hand  and  assisted  me. 
During  a period  of  nearly  seven  years  in 
his  office,  I felt  myself  particularly  under 
his  tuition  and  guidance.  His  influence 
upon  me  was  always  powerful  and  salutary- 
I never  failed  to  find  in  him  an  earnest,  ar- 
dent friend.  I have  never  encountered  a 
man  so  sincere  in  his  devotion  to  great 
Christian  principles,  nor  one  who  so  steadi- 
ly lived  up  to  them.  A thousand  acts  of 
charity  came  under  my  notice,  which  I sup- 
pose he  withheld  from  the  rest  of  the  world. 
In  his  business  intercourse,  I had  a chance 
to  study  the  moving  principles  of  his  na- 
ture. They  were  principles  of  justice  and 
truth.  Those  principles  became  engrafted, 
by  daily  contact,  in  my  youthful  mind. 
Since  I have  taken  upon  myself  the  duties 
and  responsibilities  of  manhood,  they  have 
been  my  guiding  star.  I have,  I believe, 
been  useful  in  some  degree  to  my  fellow 
men ; and  have  been  honoured  far  above 
my  deserts  by  positions  of  great  confidence 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


275 


and  trust.  If  I have  succeeded  in  any  of 
the  relations  of  life,  the  credit  is  not  mine. 
It  is  chiefly  his.  To  him  I feel  that  I owe 
a debt  which  can  never  be  repaid.  For 
many  years  I have  hoped  that  it  would  be 
practicable  for  me  to  return  to  New  York, 
and  express  to  him  my  deep  gratitude  for 
kindnesses  bestowed  upon  me  when  kind- 
nesses were,  indeed,  most  precious.  That 
privilege  has  been  denied  me.  But  I shall 
ever  venerate  his  memory,  and  imitate  his 
noble  example ; and  in  my  poor  feeble  way, 
I offer  at  his  tomb  this  tribute  of  my  admi- 
ration of  him  as  a man,  my  affection  for  him 
as  a friend,  and  my  reverence  for  him  as  a 
Christian.” 

This  letter  tells  its  own  story : “ While 
many  associations,  and  public  bodies,  and 
private  individuals  have  expressed  to  you 
and  your  family  their  grief  over,  and  sym- 
pathy with  you  on  account  of,  the  death  of 
Mr.  Min  turn,  I feel  a desire,  as  one  of  the 
humble  classes  who  knew  and  loved  him, 


276 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


to  give  expression  to  you  of  my  feelings, 
occasioned  by  his  loss.  Some  seven  years 
ago,  I left  my  home  in  the  West,  to  try  and 
find  employment  in  this  city,  and  so  allow 
me  to  be  with  my  relatives.  A few  lines 
from  his  pen  were  the  means  of  my  obtain- 
ing a situation,  and  to  him,  under  God,  I 
owe  the  position  which  I now  hold  in  one 
of  the  best  commercial  houses  in  this  city- 
And  ever  since  that  first  acquaintance  with 
Mr.  Minturn,  a pleasant  smile,  a kind  word 
or  recognition  from  him,  showed  that  he  still 
took  an  interest  in  me” 

A gentleman  in  Cuba,  writing  to  a friend 
of  Mr.  Mint  urn’s,  says:  “Never  have  I 
known  a man  who  so  readily  ingratiated 
himself  in  one’s  confidence — one  to  whom  I 
looked  up  as  a pattern  and  guide  in  all  that 
was  good.  There  was  such  a rest  and 
cheerfulness  in  everything  about  him.  My 
acquaintance  was  of  some  thirty-eight  years 
standing,  and  as  time  advanced  it  only  add- 
ed to  my  esteem  and  confidence.” 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


2 77 


The  following  quotations  are  from  the 
letter  of  a lady  friend  in  Utica : “ I am  sure 
it  could  not  but  gratify  you,  were  you  to 
see  the  interest  manifested  by  many  whose 
only  knowledge  of  Mr.  M inturn  has  been 
through  his  ceaseless  deeds  of  kindness. 
One  old  neighbour  sent  for  me  directly 
after  my  return,  to  ask  about  his  illness, 
and  listened  with  the  tears  streaming  over 
her  face,  saying,  at  the  same  time,  that  al- 
though she  had  never  seen  Mr.  Minturn, 
yet  she  had  such  a regard  for  him,  from 
what  she  had  learned  through  her  sons,  who 
reside  in  town,  that  she  felt  as  if  she  had 
lost  a valued  friend.  Another  lady  spoke 
of  her  husband  meeting  with  Mr.  Minturn 
a few  years  ago,  and  subsequently  saying  to 
her,  that  he  had  never  seen  any  person 
whose  expression  and  manner  so  constantly 
suggested  the  words,  ‘the  beauty  of  holi- 
ness. 

Senator  Foster,  writing  to  Mrs.  Minturn, 
says : “ My  acquaintance  with  him  you  have 


278 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


lost  was  not  long,  nor  had  I a right  to  call 
it  intimate.  But  I knew  him  long  enough 
to  respect,  and  honour,  and  love  him.  Who 
that  knew  him  at  all  did  not  ? All  have 
heard  of  him  as  an  honourable  and  success- 
ful merchant — liberal-minded,  large-hearted, 
public-spirited,  patriotic,  benevolent,  an  ear 
quick  to  hear  the  appeals  of  the  destitute 
and  deserving,  and  a hand  ever  open  to 
supply  their  wants — an  accomplished  Chris- 
tian gentleman.  When  such  a man  dies, 
society  loses  a prop  and  an  ornament. 

“It  is  so  recently  that  I was  enjoying 
your  delightful  hospitality — the  memory  of 
his  genial  smile  and  cordial  welcome -is  so 
vivid — that  -I  cannot  feel  that  he  is  dead. 
I weep  with  you,  and  I weep  for  you ; but 
let  us  be  thankful  that  we  sorrow  not  even 
as  others  who  have  no  hope.  For  if  we  be- 
lieve that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so 
them  also  who  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring 
with  Him.  Wherefore,  comfort  one  anoth- 
er with  these  words.” 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  279 

Senator  Folger,  in  a letter  to  some  con- 
nections of  Mr.  Minturn,  says:  “Though 
my  acquaintance  with  Mr.  Minturn  was  of 
the  slightest,  it  was  of  the  most  agreeable ; 
and  I had  learned  some  time  ago  to  respect, 
nay,  to  revere  him  ; for  I never  heard  aught 
of  him  but  sincere  and  admiring  praise. 
And  if  to  me,  and  to  others  like  me,  who 
knew  so  little  of  him,  this  seemed  so  sudden 
and  severe  a blow,  how  heavy  and  dreadful 
it  must  fall  upon  that  loving  and  beloved 
family  circle  which  had  its  orbit  about  him. 

“If  any  expression  of  my  sincere  sympa- 
thy, in  its  deep  affliction,  can  be  of  any 
value- to  the  members  of  that  family,  please 
tender  it  for  me  in  the  fullest. 

“ His  last  thought  of  me  was  coupled 
with  one  of  those  benevolent  purposes 
which  have  made  him  known  as  one  of 
God’s  almoners  — ‘the  law  he  wished 
passed.’  ” 

A friend  in  China  writes : “ Alas ! what 
is  human  sympathy  to  assuage  sorrow  so 


28o 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


heavily  freighted?  What  word  of  mine 
can  touch  the  sense  of  suffering  ? The  only 
reconciliation  of  our  heart  and  mind  is 
found  in  the  beneficent  example  of  his  ca- 
reer, terminated  as  it  was,  when  as  an  exem- 
plar he  shone  most  resplendently ; when, 
at  the  very  height  of  his  renown,  he  was 
seen  of  all  men,  with  his  faculties  undimmed, 
or  but  mellowed,  as  it  were,  by  a premature 
appearance  of  ripeness ; when  his  usefulness 
was  most  widely  felt ; in  short,  when,  as  it 
seemed  to  all  men,  he  could  least  be  spared 
by  his  country,  his  city,  and  his  kind.  Then 
and  thus  taken  away,  the  void  is  seen  and 
felt  of  all.  His  memory  is  thence  cherished  ; 
his  example  is  emulated ; his  fellow-men 
benefited  beyond  measure.  It  is  thus  that 
I read  the  lesson  of  his  life ; the  sublime 
meaning  of  his  death.” 

A distinguished  merchant  in  London 
says : “ My  intimacy  with  your  late  father 
was  of  a very  early  date ; and  from  the  be- 
ginning it  was  of  so  cordial  a nature,  that  I 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN. 


28l 


never  felt  happy  in  taking  any  important 
step  without  asking  his  advice,  and  I need 
not  add  that  his  advice  was  of  the  greatest 
service  to  me.” 

A young-lady  cousin  says : “ Though  we 
have  had  but  little  intercourse  for  the  last 
few  years,  my  loss  is  greater  than  you  might 
suppose.  You  know  Mr.  Minturn  had  a 
warm  affection  for  my  parents,  and  his 
mother  was  so  dear  to  me,  that  these  ties 
were  of  themselves  a strong  bond.  Of  the 
still  stronger  one  formed  by  his  own  loveli- 
ness of  disposition,  his  noble  character,  and 
uniform  kindness  and  affectionate  manner 
to  me,  I need  not  dwell  upon  ” 

From  a letter  of  sympathy,  written  by  an 
English  gentleman  residing  in  this  country, 
we  quote  the  following  sentences : “ I feel 
your  father’s  death  as  a grievous  person- 
al loss.  Of  all  the  friends  I have  had 
since  I have  been  over  here,  there  was 
none  who  was  always  so  ready  to  serve 
me,  none  who  showed  a truer  interest  in  my 


282 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


welfare.  This  has  been  my  personal  expe- 
rience ; but  in  a more  general  way  he  so 
impressed  me  with  a sense  of  his  entire 
goodness  and  unselfishness,  that  I have 
constantly  thought  of  him  and  spoken  of 
him  as  the  best  man  I ever  knew.  It  is, 
indeed,  most  sad  for  us  all,  that  he  should 
be  taken  away  at  a time  of  life  when  he 
might  reasonably  hope  to  enjoy,  to  a greater 
extent  than  ever  before,  those  opportunities 
of  doing  good  to  others,  which  he  most  of 
all  prized.,, 

An  American  clergyman,  abroad  at  the 
time  of  Mr.  M inturn’s  death,  writes : “ As  I 

read  to  Mrs.  McV , shortly  after  we 

heard  the  sad  news,  ‘ But  the  souls  of  the 
righteous  are  in  the  hand  of  God,  and  there 
shall  no  torment  touch  them.  In  the  sight 
of  the  unwise  they  seemed  to  die  ; and 
their  departure  is  taken  for  misery,  and 
their  going  from  us  to  be  utter  destruction ; 
but  they  are  in  peace.’  If  a wise  Jew  could 
say  this,  how  much  more  we,  who  know 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  283 

what  God  hath  done  for  us  Christians,  and 
intends  to  do  for  those  who  love  His  be- 
loved Son.  Mr.  M inturn’s  death  is  not  a 
loss  only  to-  his  family.  Far  and  near  his 
influence  for  good,  and  the  happiness  of 
others,  had  spread,  and  many  more  than  I 
know,  and  doubtless  even  than  you  know, 
will  be  mingling  their  sorrow  with  yours, 
when  they  hear  that  their  kind  friend  and 
thoughtful  benefactor,  the  generous,  noble- 
hearted  Robert  B.  M inturn,  has  gone  from 
the  field  of  labour  to  the  haven  of  rest.” 

From  the  letter  of  a lady  we  met  on  one 
of  our  journeys  to  Europe:  “Though  our 
acquaintance  with  your  precious  parent  was 
slight,  we  have  always  felt  attached  to  him 
in  an  unusual  degree.  The  loftiness  of  his 
character  was  seen  in  the  expression  of  his 
face,  and  expressed  in  the  tones  of  his  voice. 
We  considered  it  a high  privilege  to  have 
met  him  on  the  journey  of  life,  and  to  have 
held,  even  for  a short  season,  sweet  counsel 
and  intercourse  with  him.” 


284 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


From  a very  aged  lady : “ There  is  one 
consolation  : God  has  taken  him  to  a richer 
inheritance  than  this  world  could  give  ; and 
the  spotless  halo  around  his  crown  is,  that 
he  died  doing  his  Master’s  work.  My 
knowledge  of  his  childhood,  and  all  his  an- 
tecedents, brings  him  nearer  to  me,  and  my 
tears  have  flowed  freely  at  recollections  of 
the  memories  connected  with  his  early  life, 
of  his  parents  and  grandparents,  whose  lives 
were  illustrations  of  every  good  work.” 

Another  lady  writes : “ In  sending  the 
enclosed  extracts,  I seek  ta  give  some  ex- 
pression to  the  sympathy  that  fills  my  heart, 
as  well  as  to  my  deep  sense  of  the  rich  con- 
solation you  possess  in  the  rare  Christian 
character  of  Mr.  M inturn. 

“ The  generous  inclination,  the  just  rule, 
kind  wishes,  and  good  actions  and  pure 
thoughts,  were  illustrated  in  his  daily  life. 

“ The  1 5th  Psalm  is  his  memorial.  What 
an  example  to  his  children  ! What  a pre« 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  285 

cious  memory  to  treasure  in  their  hearts, 
and  transmit  to  their  children.” 

Another  friend,  in  Europe,  writes : “ I 
have  never  received  from  any  stranger  the 
kindness  and  appreciation  that  I.  received 
from  Mr.  Minturn  ; and  there  is  no  one  liv- 
ing now,  besides  my  children,  that  I could 
mourn  as  I do  him.  I have  lost  my  friend, 
my  adviser,  the  one  above  all  others  that  I 
looked  up  and  deferred  to. 

“ I am  told  here,  that  no  death,  with  the 
exception  of  President  Lincoln’s,  has  made 
so  profound  an  impression  on  the  public 
mind  as  his,  or  caused  so  deep  a sympathy. 
You  have  the  consolation  of  knowing  that 
he  left  his  seal  on  all  that  he  touched ; and 
that  the  elevation  of  his  character  was  felt 
and  appreciated  by  a great  community.” 

The  coloured  lad  brought  up  in  Mr. 
M inturn’s  family,  to  whom  we  have  alluded, 
writes : “It  is  with  heartfelt  sorrow  that  I 
am  now  thinking  of  our  kind  and  beloved 
friend  Mr.  Minturn.  I feel  with  you.  I 


286 


A MEMORIAL. 


sympathize  with  you  and  your  family.  I 
mourn  for  one  so  much  honoured  and  loved 
as  a father,  husband,  and  friend.  May  the 
Almighty  comfort  you  in  your  time  of 
trouble,  and  enable  you,  with  patience,  to 
stand  the  trial.” 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


The  following  lines  were  sent  by  a lady 
who  appreciated  the  worth  and  mourned 
the  death  of  Mr.  M inturn  : 

IN  MEMORIAM. 

The  name  of  Robert  Minturn  ! 

A name  that  cannot  die, 

Though  “ earth  to  earth  and  dust  to  dust, ' 
His  mortal  part  shall  lie. 

His  mission  all  completed, 

Christ’s  work  he  loved  the  best, 

Gently  he  laid  life’s  burden  down, 

And  entered  into  rest. 

What  need  had  he  of  working? 

It  was  a Father’s  love 
That  took  him  from  an  earthly  home 
Swift  to  his  home  above. 


288 


A MEMORIAL. 


It  was  an  end  most  fitting, 

We  scarce  can  call  it  death, 

Though  cold  the  form,  and  still  the  heart, 
And  hushed  for  aye  the  breath ; 

It  seemed  a bright  translation 
A soul  so  pure  as  his 
Rising  like  one  all  glorified 
Into  a realm  of  bliss. 

The  name  of  Robert  Minturn ! 

How  many  in  the  land 
Have  heard  that  name  with  thankfulness, 
Have  felt  that  generous  hand. 

Oft  did  his  presence  brighten, 

And  oft  his  voice  did  bless 
The  homes  of  want  and  weariness. 

Of  darkness  and  distress  ; 

And  where  the  weak  and  dying, 

On  beds  of  sickness  lie, 

There  was  his  sympathizing  heart, 

His  helping  hand  was  nigh. 

And  oft  his  aid  was  given 
In  each  good  work  begun, 

Where’er  Christ’s  holy  altars  rise, 

Or  churches  carved  in  stone ; 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  289 

And  many  a heaven-pointing  spire, 

In  after  years  shall  tell, 

Of  him  who  loved  his  Master’s  work, 

And  lived  to  do  it  well 

To  aid  the  needy,  guide  the  weak, 

The  erring  to  restrain, 

This  was  the  lesson  of  his  life — 

For  him  to  die  was  gain ! 

Though  stricken  hearts  and  bending  forms 
With  tears  of  anguish  lave 
The  holiest  spot  to  them  on  earth, 

That  earnest  Christian’s  grave, 

His  only  is  the  triumph, 

And  theirs  alone  the  loss ; 

Death  won  no  victory  over  him, 

The  Soldier  of  the  Cross. 

E.  H.  Thatcher. 


19 


The  following  poem  was  copied  and  sent 

by  another  sympathizing  friend, 

TO  ONE  AT  REST: 

And  needest  thou  our  prayers  no  more,  safe 
folded  ’mid  the  blest  ? 

How  changed  art  thou  since  last  we  met  to 
keep  the  day  of  rest ! 

Young  with  the  youth  of  angels,  wise  with  the 
growth  of  years; 

For  we  have  passed  since  thou  hast  gone  a 
week  of  many  tears, 

And  thou  hast  passed  a week  in  heaven,  a 
week  without  a sin, 

Thy  robes  made  white  in  Jesus’  blood,  all 
glorious  within. 

We  shall  miss  thee  at  a thousand  turns  along 
life’s  weary  track, 

Not  a sorrow  or  a joy  but  we  shall  long  to  call 
thee  back, 

(290) 


ROBERT  BOWNE  M1NTURN. 


29I 


Yearn  for  thy  true  and  gentle  heart,  long  thy 
bright  smile  to  see, 

For  many  dear  and  true  are  left,  but  none  are 
quite  like  thee ; 

And  evermore  to  all  our  life  a deeper  tone  is 
given, 

For  the  loving  friend  of  many  years  has  enter- 
ed into  heaven. 

How  wise,  and  great,  and  glorious,  thy  gentle 
soul  has  grown ; 

Loving  as  thou  art  loved  by  God,  knowing  as 
thou  art  known. 

Yet  in  that  world  thou  carest  yet  for  those 
thou  lov’dst  in  this ; 

The  rich  man  did  in  torments  and  wilt  not 
thou  in  bliss, 

For  sitting  at  the  Saviour’s  feet  and  gazing  in 
His  face 

Si  rely  thou  It  not  unlearn  one  gentle  human 
grace. 

Human,  and  not  angelic,  the  form  He  deigns 
to  wear, 

Of  Jesus,  not  of  angels,  the  likeness  thou  shalt 
bear ! 


2Q2  A MEMORIAL. 

At  rest  from  all  the  storms  of  life,  from  its 
night-watches  drear, 

From  the  tumultuous  hopes  of  earth,  and  from 
its  aching  fear, 

Sacred  and  sainted  now  to  us  is  thy  familiar 
name ; 

High  is  thy  sphere  above  us  now,  and  yet  in 
this  the  same ; 

Together  do  we  watch  and  wait  for  that  long- 
promised  day, 

When  the  voice  that  rends  the  tombs,  shall 
call,  “ Arise  and  come  away, 

My  Bride  and  my  Redeemed,  winter  and  night 
are  past, 

And  the  time  of  singing  and  of  light  has  come 
to  thee  at  last,” 

When  the  Family  is  gathered  and  the  Father’s 
house  complete, 

And  we  and  thou,  beloved,  in  our  Father’s 
smile  shall  meet. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


Before  annexing  the  obituary  notices 
which  appeared  in  the  public  journals,  we 
will  transcribe  part  of  a letter  from  Mr. 
Henry  T.  Tuckerman,  written  after  reading 
the  manuscript  of  this  memorial : 

“ I have  but  one  thing  to  suggest  as  the 
candid  result  of  my  own  impressions  of  this 
record  of  a noble  life.  I would  have  more 
emphatically  stated  the  peculiar  trait  of  Mr. 
Minturn’s  beneficence,  viz. : its  continuous 
interest  and  remarkable  foresight.  Many 
of  our  prosperous  citizens  appropriate  a cer- 
tain portion  of  their  income  to  charitable 
objects ; indeed,  no  city  in  the  world  is 
more  constant  and  liberal  in  behalf  of 
humanity  ; but,  usually,  with  the  casual 


294  A MEMORIAL  OF 

gift  ends  the  personal  interest,  whereas  to 
Mr.  Minturn  ‘doing  good’ was  not  less  a 
pleasure  than  a business,  the  object  of  his 
life,  a charm  of  his  experience.  Two  in- 
stances occur  to  me  which  illustrate  my 
meaning.  I once  laid  before  him  a private 
case  of  much  delicacy ; a noble  man  had, 
after  years  of  toil,  given  away  the  savings 
provided  for  his  old  age,  at  what  he  deemed 
the  imperative  call  of  duty  ; a long  and 
painful  illness  ensued,  and  it  was  accident- 
ally discovered  that  he  was  nearly  destitute  ; 
he  had  not  complained,  and  his  nature  was 
such,  that  no  one  ventured  to  offer  him 
pecuniary  assistance. 

“It  was  determined,  by  those  who  knew 
his  worth,  to  raise  privately  a certain  sum, 
place  it  in  the  hands  of  a banker,  who  would 
notify  the  recipient  of  the  credit  opened  in 
his  favour,  thus  avoiding  any  personal 
knowledge  of  the  obligation. 

“ Mr.  Minturn  entered  into  the  scheme 
with  ardour ; he  followed  me  to  the  door. 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  295 

after  heading  the  subscription,  and  thanked 
me  earnestly  for  giving  him  the  opportunity 
to  join  in  the  project,  saying,  ‘ If  I had  ever 
heard  that  such  a case,  so  near  at  hand,  and 
so  peculiar,  had  been  overlooked,  it  would 
have  been  a lasting  subject  of  regret/ 

“ A year  afterwards,  when  every  one  in- 
terested in  the  subject,  had  probably  forgot- 
ten the  exigency  with  the  immediate  relief 
afforded,  Mr.  M inturn  sent  me  a note  of 
inquiry  as  to  the  condition  and  prospects 
of  the  unconscious  object  of  his  kindness, 
adding,  ‘ Is  it  not  about  time  to  do  some- 
thing more  for  him  ? Let  me  know,’  etc. 

“The  other  instance  was  mentioned  to 
me  by  my  brother,  who  was  then  living  at 
Hastings  on  the  Hudson,  where  the  tidings 
of  Mr.  M inturn’s  death  excited  such  wide 
and  deep  grief.  My  brother  met  one  of 
your  husband’s  trusted  almoners  weeping 
in  the  village,  who  showed  him  a note  re- 
ceived only  a few  days  previous,  and  re- 
questing that  a pair  of  shoes  should  be 


296 


A MEMORIAL  OF 


given  to  this  boy  — some  flannel  to  that 
poor  woman,  fuel  to  one,  flour  to  another 
— showing  the  most  perfect  recollection  of 
the  needs  of  each  person  at  the  moment. 
It  was  this  consideration,  method,  presci- 
ence, in  his  benevolence  that  always  struck 
me  as  the  peculiar  charm  of  his  benevolent 
work.” 

These  comments  of  Mr.  Tuckerman  hav- 
ing been  named  to  a dear  friend  of  the 
family,  induced  her  to  relate  the  following 
anecdote  as  one  treasured  in  her  memory : 
“ A poor  woman  one  day  asked  at  the  office 
to  see  Mr.  M inturn,  but  was  refused  admit- 
tance as  he  was  very  much  engaged.  Mr. 
M inturn  overheard  her,  and  allowed  her  to 
tell  her  story,  to  which  he  patiently  listened ; 
she  had  been  left  a widow  with  a son  and 
daughter,  both  had  grown  up,  the  daughter 
had  died  of  consumption,  and  now  the  son 
whose  business  was  that  of  a printer,  had 
been  unfit  for  employment  some  months; 
mother  and  son  in  absolute  destitution. 


ROBERT  BOWNE  MINTURN.  297 

Mr.  M inturn  was  not  satisfied  with  assist- 
ing her  at  the  moment,  but  went  himself 
to  enquire  into  the  case,  and  finding  it  to 
be  as  represented  he  became  a constant 
visitor  to  the  young  man,  reading  the  Bible 
to  him,  and  supplying  him  with  every  tem- 
poral comfort.  He  even  watched  by  his 
death-bed ; the  young  man,  when  speechless, 
pressed  Mr.  Minturn’s  hand,  and,  pointing 
upwards,  signified  his  reward  was  there.” 

It  will  not  be  inappropriate  to  mention 
here  that  in  an  interview  with  Mr.  George 
Peabody,  a few  months  before  his  own 
death,  he  spoke  in  the  warmest  terms  of 
Mr.  Min  turn — of  his  character,  and  his  ex- 
ample, saying,  “ he  was  the  best  man  I ever 
knew.” 

An  anecdote  related  by  Mrs.  Marcy,  wid- 
ow of  the  Hon.  Wm.  L.  Marcy,  Secretary  of 
State,  is  also  interesting,  as  one  that  came 
under  her  own  immediate  notice.  She  was 
visiting  one  of  her  relatives  in  New  York 
city,  and  while  at  dinner  a voice  of  distress 


2gS 


A MEMORIAL. 


was  heard  in  the  hall.  One  of  the  family 
went  to  enquire  the  cause,  and  found  it  was 
a respectable  woman,  who  had  rung  the  bell, 
to  ask  if  Mr.  Minturn  lived  there ; if  not, 
could  they  give  her  his  direction.  She  said 
— “ I am  a stranger  and  in  distress.  I do 
not  know  Mr.  Minturn,  but  I know  his 
character,  and  I am  sure  if  I can  find  him 
that  he  will  give  me  the  assistance  I need” 
These  few  examples  are  not  amiss  as  the 
pleasant  tribute  of  friends,  — and  corrobor- 
ative testimony  that  the  character  this 
memoir  attempts  to  portray,  has  not  been 
over-drawn  by  a blind  affection. 


Appendix. 


' 


■ 

. 


From  the  New  York  Observer. 


We  mentioned,  last  week,  the  death  of  Rob- 
ert B.  Minturn,  Esq.  He  was  the  head  of  the 
commercial  house  of  Grinnell,  Minturn  & Co., 
an  active  and  devout  member  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church,  and  for  many  years  at- 
tached to  the  church  of  the  Holy  Communion, 
of  which  the  Rev.  Dr.  Muhlenberg  was  for  a 
long  time  the  rector.  This  church  has  always 
been  what  is  denominated  a free  church.  Mr. 
Minturn  was  a liberal  contributor  to  its  sup- 
port, having  a decided  preference  for  those 
church  edifices  where  the  rich  and  the  poor 
meet  together.  He  was  a constant  attendant 
upon  the  services  of  his  church,  and  devoutly 
united  in  her  communion  services,  they  being 
more  frequent  in  this  church  than  in  any  oth- 
er of  the  same  denomination  of  Christians  in 
New  York.  His  labors  in  acts  of  charity  were 
abundant.  He  did  not  think  it  sufficient  to 

(301) 


302 


APPENDIX. 


be  a munificent  donor  of  the  large  pecuniary 
means  which  a prosperous  business  supplied, 
but  he  took  great  pleasure  in  speaking  kind 
words  and  giving  good  counsel  to  the  desti- 
tute and  afflicted  — he  realized  that  highest 
characteristic  of  pure  benevolence  described 
by  the  Apostle  Paul — he  gave  liberally  and  up- 
braided not . There  was  no  display  of  superi- 
ority— no  harshness  or  severity  in  the  manner 
of  his  dispensation  of  good  offices.  He  gave 
with  simpleness  — he  was  gentle  — even  the 
tones  of  his  voice  were  soothing  and  consol- 
ing, and  his  face  beamed  a spirit  of  kindness. 
In  short,  he  was  a delightful  companion  in  all 
circles  of  society,  whether  high  or  humble. 
He  was  not  slothful  in  business,  and  his  busi- 
ness was  extensive,  yet  he  found  time  to  de- 
vote to  acts  of  benevolence,  and  this  resulted 
from  the  fact  that  he  took  pleasure  in  per- 
forming such  acts.  He  took  up  no  cross  in 
this  service  ; there  was  in  him  the  will,  and 
he  realized  the  truth  of  the  adage,  “ Where 
there  is  a will  there  is  a way.”  Although  he 
received  much,  as  the  fruits  of  his  labor  and 
his  enterprise,  and  was  gratified  by  his  acqui- 
sitions, he  felt  it  was  more  blessed  to  give 


APPENDIX. 


303 


than  to  receive.  His  experience  might  be 
that  of  every  prosperous  merchant  and  man 
of  business  in  our  city  who  would  cultivate 
similar  desires  and  inclinations  of  heart.  He 
had  no  desire  for  public  life,  or  for  political 
preferment,  or  for  notoriety  of  any  sort ; he 
shunned  all  these,  and  yet  he  made  not  the 
least  display  of  humility — he  had  none  to  speak 
of.  We  take  great  pleasure  in  sketching  such  a 
character,  when  it  can  be  done  from  real  life. 

But  more  than  all,  and  better  than  these 
deeds  of  charity,  he  took  a personal  interest 
in  the  wants  of  the  poor,  with  his  own  hands 
putting  up  clothing  for  the  destitute,  and  seek- 
ing individual  cases  that  required  friendly 
care.  His  residence  in  the  country  brought 
him  into  the  vicinity  of  families  whom  it  was 
his  pleasure  to  relieve,  and  even  children 
were  clothed  by  him  that  they  might  be  able 
to  go  to  school.  The  poor  mourned  for  him 
when  they  heard  of  his  death. 

In  a community  so  largely  commercial  as 
the  city  of  New  York,  and  where  so  many 
enterprises  are  on  foot  which  realize  large 
profits,  we  think  it  profitable  to  hold  up  and 
dwell  upon  such  a character  as  that  which 


304 


APPENDIX. 


the  life  of  Mr.  Minturn  furnishes  ; it  is  one  of 
the  triumphs  of  Christianity.  Such  examples 
are  lamentably  not  numerous  ; yet  we  rejoice 
to  say  there  are  some  few  in  the  city  of  New 
York  as  bright  as  any  city,  in  any  age,  could 
ever  boast.  Would  it  were  in  our  power  to 
multiply  them. 

Mr.  Minturn  was  a rich  man  ; he  had  been 
prosperous  in  this  his  native  city  for  a long 
course  of  years.  There  are  many  'severe 
temptations  which  beset  the  path  of  a rich 
man,  and  he  is  eminently  worthy  of  com- 
mendation and  admiration  who  can  pass 
through  a life  not  short,  and  successfully  re- 
sist these  temptations.  We  are  told  by  the 
highest  authority  that  it  is  hard  for  a rich 
man  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  yet 
rich  men  do  reach  this  kingdom.  The  father 
of  the  faithful,  he  who  was  pre-eminently  the 
frier  d of  God,  was  a rich  man.  If  a man  set 
his  heart  upon  riches  he  will  become  an  idol- 
ator,  but  if  he  set  not  his  heart  upon  them 
they  may  be  multiplied  without  the  least 
danger  to  their  possessor,  who  may,  notwith- 
standing his  riches,  like' Abraham  and  Job,  be 
blessed  of  God. 


APPENDIX. 


305 


The  funeral  services  over  the  body  of  the 
deceased  were  conducted  at  the  church  of 
the  Holy  Communion,  in  Sixth  Avenue,  by 
the  ardent  friends  of  Mr.  Minturn,  Bishop 
Potter  and  Rev.  Dr.  Muhlenberg  ; they  were 
solemn  and  impressive,  and  the  attendance  of 
friends  and  citizens  was  very  large. 


From  the  Christian  Inquirer. 

The  city  of  New  York  has  lost  more  con- 
spicuous, more  distinguished  and  more  pub- 
licly lamented  citizens,  but  seldom  a man  so 
beloved,  trusted  and  revered  as  Robert  B. 
Minturn.  Diligent,  sagacious  and  prudent  in 
business,  he  had  contributed  as  much  as  any 
one  to  rear  his  house  to  that  position  of  dig- 
nity, influence  and  success,  known  and  read 
of  the  whole  commercial  world.  He  con- 
tinued that  noble  line  of  incorruptible,  high- 
toned  merchants,  to  which  Clarkson  and  Jona- 
than Goodhue  belonged  — men  who  carried 
the- honor  of  soldiers,  the  honor  of  Christians 
into  business  life,  and  made  their  word  as  sa- 
cred as  their  bond.  Accumulating  property 
in  ways  equally  useful  to  the  public  and  profit- 
able to  himself,  Mr.  Minturn  not  only  felt  all 
20 


3°6 


APPENDIX. 


the  responsibilities  of  a steward  of  the  Most 
High,  but  all  the  natural  impulses  of  a gener- 
ous and  beneficent  nature,  to  distribute  wisely 
and  humanely  and  freely  of  the  goods  a gra- 
cious Providence  had  furnished  him.  For 
five-and-twenty  years  his  name  has  been  asso- 
ciated with  every  good  work — always  seen 
largely  and  promptly  leading  every  contribu- 
tion to  enterprises  involving  the  relief  of  suf- 
fering, ignorance  and  sin.  An  earnest  Chris- 
tian, and  a devoted  lover  of  the  Episcopal 
church,  he  connected  himself  with  Dr.  Muhl- 
enberg’s church  because  it  was  a free  church, 
Avhere  the  rich  and  the  poor  could  worship 
together.  It  was  only  one  illustration  of  his 
general  habit  of  acting  from  thoughtful  prin- 
ciple, and  not  merely  according  to  honest 
usage.  He  consecrated  his  influence  to  use- 
fulness, and  would  allow  none  of  it  to  be  lost. 
There  was  nothing  thoughtless,  impulsive,  sen- 
timental, or  imitative  in  his  charity.  With  a 
constitutional  warmth  and  geniality  of  tem- 
perament, he  kept  his  feelings  strictly  under 
the  rein  of  duty.  He  could  refuse  where  all 
his  class  had  consented  ; he  could  consent 
where  all  others  had  refused.  He  had  a no- 


APPENDIX. 


307 


ble  reliance  on  his  own  judgment,  was  satis- 
fied when  his  conscience  approved,  and  ever 
was  independent  of  the  censure  or  the  appro- 
bation of  the  thoughtless  crowd. 

Without  the  ambition  of  a leader,  retiring, 
modest,  hesitating  in  his  speech,  he  rose  to 
his  position  by  the  natural  elevation  of  his 
character,  the  genuine  superiority  of  his 
worth.  Nature  had  stamped  his  person  with 
a peculiar  dignity  and  beauty.  His  fresh 
cheek,  .beaming  eye,  erect  carriage,  benignant 
smile  and  open  hand,  his  scrupulous  neatness 
and  good  taste,  impressed  all  who  merely 
passed  him  by.  But  he  had  cultivated  his 
mind  with  extensive  reading  and  intercourse 
with  thoughtful  men  of  all  professions.  He 
meditated  earnestly  and  diligently  upon  re- 
ligious, commercial,  political  and  moral  ques- 
tions, and  had  his  own  well-formed  and  inde- 
pendent views  upon  all.  Especially  was  he 
well  read  in  the  literature  of  philanthropy — 
knew  all  the  schemes  which  eminent  lovers 
of  the  poor,  or  anxious  reformers  of  society 
had  tried  or  suggested.  He  was  among  the 
very  few  men  in  this  whole  community  with 
whom  charity  was  a study  ; who  knew  its 


3°8 


APPENDIX. 


dangers,  and  the  principles  and  methods  by 
which  alone  it  could  safely  be  administered. 
Accordingly  he  was  not  only  the  treasurer, 
but  among  the  originators  of  that  invaluable 
association  known  as  the  “ Society  for  Improv- 
ing the  Condition  of  the  Poor,”  now  fifteen 
years  in  operation  — a society  in  which  the 
soundest  principles  of  political  economy  are 
united  with  the  most  solicitous  and  constant 
ministrations  of  mercy.  St.  Luke’s  Hospital 
is  another  monument  to  his  judicious  foster- 
ing. He  was  among  the  warmest  friends  of 
the  Sanitary  Commission,  and  more  latterly 
of  the  National  Freedmen’s  Relief  Associa- 
tion. For  he  gave,  what  rich  men  are  so 
much  more  chary  of  than  money,  thought 
and  time  and  persistent  devotion,  to  the  cause 
that  appealed  to  his  purse.  His  heart  and 
judgment  and  sense  of  duty  went  with  his 
money.  The  very  last  time  his  pleasant  voice 
sounded  in  our  ears  was  at  a private  meeting 
at  another  wise  and  good  merchant’s  house, 
where  the  Sanitary  Reform  of  this  city  was 
under  serious  consideration.  Mr.  Minturn 
leaves  few  equals  behind  him,  we  think,  in  the 
intelligent  devotion  of  mind  and  heart  to  the 


APPENDIX. 


309 


philanthropic  interests  of  this  community. 
But  all  these  public  services  were  meagre 
compared  with  the  secret  kindnesses  which 
made  up  Mr.  Minturn’s  private  life.  He  was 
always  busied  with  individual  cases  of  dis- 
tress ; always  striving  to  extricate  somebody 
from  trouble,  temptation  and  want.  His  near- 
est friends  alone  knew  part  of  this,  and  heaven 
alone,  the  most. 

But  after  all  that  Mr.  Minturn’s  commercial 
probity,  high-toned  beneficence,  and  public 
spirit  did  for  the  honor  and  safety  and  reform 
of  this  community,  all  this  was  not  the  best 
part  of  him.  It  is  not  what  a man  does,  but 
what  he  is,  that  constitutes  his  real  weight 
and  worth.  Men  of  genuine  goodness,  of  sin- 
cere sympathy,  of  loving  natures,  of  eminent 
justice,  candor  and  truth,  free  from  self-seek- 
ing, modest,  pure  and  lofty  in  their  inmost 
thoughts,  are  perpetual  benefactors.  Virtue 
goes  out  of  them  at  every  step.  They  purify 
the  air  they  breathe.  They  bless  every  passer- 
by. Their  touch  cures  ; their  presence  expels 
the  demons  that  live  and  thrive  in  the  com- 
pany of  worldly  and  selfish,  even  if  prudent 
and  thriving  souls. 


3io 


APPENDIX. 


Robert  Minturn  was  more  and  better  than 
anything  he  said  or  did.  The  ten  thousand 
who  shared  his  substantial  bounty,  were  not 
his  chief  beneficiaries.  The  rich  men,  the  or- 
dinary friends,  the  casual  companions,  the  daily 
crowd  among  whom  he  moved,  felt  his  heal- 
ing, benignant,  chastening,  dignified  and  gen- 
tle nature  still  more  powerfully  and  benefic- 
ently. His  looks  were  better  than  his  words ; 
the  pressure  of  his  hand  more  precious  than 
his  gift.  His  atmosphere  was  fatal  to  wrong, 
to  folly,  to  pride,  to  hardness,  to  worldliness  ; 
and  such  men  are  really  the  greatest  benefac- 
tors the  world  has. 

After  saying  thus  much,  it  seems  superflu- 
ous to  add  that  Mr.  Minturn  was  an  earnest 
and  sincere  Christian  ; so  earnest  and  so  sin- 
cere, that  his  Christian  sympathies  burst  all 
denominational  bounds,  notwithstanding  his 
attachment  to  his  own  church  was  most  em- 
phatic. He  hailed  the  co-operation,  and  rec- 
ognized the  Christian  temper  of  all  good  men, 
and  was  the  warm  and  constant  friend  of 
many  a man  deemed  heretical  and  dangerous 
among  his  fellow-churchmen. 

We  lay  this  brief  tribute  on  Robert  Min- 


APPENDIX. 


311 

turn’s  grave,  with  the  sincerest  sympathy  for 
that  more  immediate  circle  of  daily  friends — 
his  business  companions,  his  partners,  and 
clerks  — who  must  feel  that  the  loss  of  his 
judgment  and  skill  and  fidelity,  great  as  it  is, 
is  nothing  compared  with  the  loss  of  so  benig- 
nant, gentle,  considerate,  and  wise  a friend ; 
and  with  still  greater  sympathy  for  that  in- 
nermost circle  who  mourn  the  tenderest  of 
husbands,  the  most  devoted  of  parents ! 


From  The  Commercial  Advertiser. 

The  public  sympathies  were  painfully  start- 
led yesterday  with  the  announcement  of  the 
sudden  death  of  Robert  B.  Minturn.  With 
that  announcement  deep  sorrow  passed  over 
the  city.  None  who  knew  Mr.  Minturn — and 
there  are  few  indeed  among  us  to  whom  his 
.person  or  his  character  were  unknown — re- 
ceived the  intelligence  emotionless.  All  who 
knew  him  well— -who  had  knowledge  of  the 
wonderful  combination  of  elements  which 
formed,  harmonized  and  perfected  his  man- 
hood— were  deeply  saddened.  None,  again, 
who  knew  Mr.  Minturn  could  be  indifferent 


312 


APPENDIX. 


acquaintances,  for  he  could  not  be  known 
without  being  honored  or  loved.  With  posi- 
tive qualities  and  decided  convictions,  by 
which  his  actions  were  guided,  there  was  so 
much  of  gentleness  in  his  nature,  and  his  in- 
tercourse with  the  world  was  characterized 
by  such  earnestness  and  sincerity,  that  we 
hazard  nothing  in  saying  that  no  prominent 
citizen  of  this  great  metropolis,  living  and  dy- 
ing among  us,  has  ever  been  so  highly  or  so 
universally  appreciated.  It  is,  therefore,  no 
common  loss  that  the  city  has  sustained.  Mr. 
Minturn  devoted  his  thoughtful  head  and  his 
great  heart  to  good  works.  Indeed  he  was 
all  his  life  a sort  of  lay  missionary,  for  while 
actively  engaged  in  extensive  commercial 
business,  he  found  leisure  to  help  forward 
and  govern  asylums,  hospitals,  schools  and 
churches.  In  works  of  practical  benevolence, 
for  moral  improvement,  social  reforms,  and 
religious  instruction,  he  never  wearied.  His 
intervals  and  relaxations  from  the  duties  of 
the  counting-house  were  consumed  by  zeal- 
ous efforts  to  improve  and  elevate  the  charac- 
ter, or  in  relieving  the  sufferings  of  the  unfor- 
tunate and  destitute. 


APPENDIX. 


313 


Mr.  Minturn  has  been  connected  with  the 
house  of  Grinnell,  Minturn  & Co.  nearly  forty 
years.  Of  his  or  its  high  and  honorable  char- 
acter and  career,  wherever  harbors  exist  or 
ships  go,  it  is  quite  unnecessary  to  speak. 
He  was,  in  the  best  sense  of  the  term,  a 
“ merchant  prince,”  and  as  such  was  as  highly 
valued  in  London  as  in  New  York.  Those 
who  have  traveled  throughout  Europe  with 
the  autograph  of  “ Grinnell,  Minturn  & Co.” 
to  their  letters  of  credit,  can  realize  the  value 
of  well-established  commercial  integrity. 

Mr.  Minturn  was  an  intelligent,  enterpris- 
ing, enlightened  merchant.  And  in  business 
he  was  nothing  else.  He  engaged  in  no  out- 
side speculations.  What  time  could  be  spared 
was  given  to  benevolent,  educational,  reform- 
atory or  religious  enterprises.  He  declined 
all  political  honors  and  public  employment. 
Once,  and  only  once,  he  was  prevailed  upon 
to  accept  office.  He  was  one  of  the  first  com- 
missioners of  emigration,  consenting  only  be- 
cause he  desired  to  protect  emigrants  from 
robbery,  and  to  provide  homes  for  emigrant 
orphans.  He  took  great  interest  in  establish- 
ing the  Central  Park,  and  almost  consented 


3H 


APPENDIX. 


to  become  a commissioner,  but  at  the  last 
moment  declined. 

Of  the  home  and  hearth  that  has  been  be- 
reft of  a husband  and  father — of  such  a hus- 
band and  father — we  will  not,  cannot  speak  ; 
for  words  would  only  mock  their  grief.  We 
know  something  of  the  “ peace  and  good-will  ” 
that  dwelt  in  that  mansion — something  of  the 
affections  which  hallowed  and  consecrated 
that  now  severed  and  weeping  household, 
and  we  know  how  much  too  intense  and  bit- 
ter that  sorrow  is  to  find  consolation  but  from 
One  source. 


From  the  Home  Journal. 

In  our  most  universal  study — (of  what  is  pos- 
sible for  our  human  race) — we  have  one  most 
precious  lesson  from  the  Bible  itself — the -story 
of  our  Saviour’s  signaling-out  of  a “ beloved 
Apostle.’’  Among  his  “ Apostolate  of  T welve,” 
Christ’s  omniscient  heart  loved  the  “ unblem- 
ished John.”  On  John’s,  as  the  countenance 
of  perfected  beauty,  art  has  been  ever  since 
at  work,  and  so  have  history,  and  poetry,  and 
sculpture,  and  sacred  tradition. 


APPENDIX. 


315 


We  have  learned,  from  this  most  precious 
precedent,  that  there  may  be  such  an  excep- 
tion as  an  exempt  from  human  failings — great 
beauty  of  person,  combined  with  exceeding 
loveliness  of  soul — and  it  is  worth  recording, 
as  part  of  every  one’s  experience  of  life,  the 
the  time  and  place  of  each  one’s  seeing  of  the 
beloved  Apostle.  We  all  know  the  one  or  more 
whom  it  would  have  been  impossible  to  see 
and  not  to  love. 

The  knell  is  just  now  tolling,  in  New  York, 
for  the  funeral  of  one  who  was  thus  signally 
beloved.  Robert  B.  Minturn,  who  has  died 
very  unexpectedly,  was  probably  the  one  of 
our  “merchant  princes”  who  was  the  most  af- 
fectionately regarded. 

Before  making  another  remark  of  our  own, 
let  us  copy  the  first  mention  of  the  sad  event 
of  his  death  by  those  who  best  knew  him.  A 
friend  of  the  deceased  (and  a very  eminent 
man)  thus  writes,  in  the  Times  of  yesterday  : 

“ Mr.  Robert  Minturn,  the  head  of  the  house  of  Grin^ 
nell,  Minturn  & Co.,  died  of  paralysis,  at  his  residence  in 
this  city,  about. two  o’clock  yesterday  morning,  in  the 
sixty-first  year  of  his  age.  There  was  hardly  a man 
among  us  better  known,  certainly  no  one  more  beloved 


316 


APPENDIX. 


for  his  private  virtues,  or  more  respected  for  his  high- 
toned  character,  his  unbending  integrity,  his  sound  judg- 
ment, and  his  conscientious  discharge  of  every  public  and 
private  duty.  His  motives  were  probably  never  im- 
peached in  any  act  of  his  life,  and  it  has  fallen  to  the  lot 
of  few  men  to  wield  so  wide  an  influence  among  his  fel- 
lows in  a purely  private  position.  His  wealth  and  influ- 
ence were  due  to  his  own  exertions  and  ability.  Holding 
wealth  as  a trust,  to  the  poor  his  hand  was  always  open 
with  a liberality  which  had  become  proverbial,  while  so 
modest  and  unassuming  were  his  efforts  to  seek  out  and 
relieve  cases  of  obscure  suffering,  that  the  amount  of  good 
he  done  was  rather  guessed  at  than  known.  Patriotism 
with  him  was  a passion  ; and  so  devoted  was  he  to  the 
cause  of  the  Union,  that,  old  as  he  was,  and  feeble  in 
health,  he  had  serious  thoughts  of  taking  his  sword  or 
musket  and  serving  in  the  field.  At  the  outset  of  the 
war,  he  invested  a large  portion  of  his  wealth  in  govern- 
ment securities,  and  the  Administration  never  turned  to 
the  country  for  pecuniary  help,  that  it  had  not  the  im- 
mediate aid  ofhis  clear  head,  his  generous  hand,  and  his 
wide  influence.  No  man  more  clearly  apprehended  the 
cause  of  the  rebellion,  and  no  one  rejoiced  with  a more 
heartfelt  joy  at  the  destruction  of  both.  When  to  be  op- 
posed to  slavery  was  to  hold  an  unpopular  opinion,  Mr. 
Minturn  never  shrank  from  its  avowal,  and  one  of  the 
last  acts  of  his  life  was  to  give  aid  to  an  association  on  be- 
half of  the  freedmen.  At  home  and  abroad — where  he 
went  reluctantly,  a year  or  two  ago,  for  his  health — his 
time,  his  means,  and  his  efforts  were  devoted  to  supplying 
the  government  with  men  and  money ; to  giving  comfort 


APPENDIX. 


317 


to  the  soldiers  in  the  field  ; to  the  ameliorating  the  con- 
dition of  the  blacks,  and  fitting  them  for  the  freedom 
which  the  war  was  about  to  bestow  upon  them.  His  last 
thought  and  his  last  word  were  an  anxious  expression  of 
sympathy  for  the  poor  about  us,  to  whom  the  sudden 
cold  had  brought  unusual  suffering. 

“ Mr.  Minturn  never  held  a public  office,  unless  the 
Presidency  of  the  Union  League  Club  can  be  called  so. 
He  was  the  first  to  fill  that  office,  and  he  did  much  for 
the  organization  of  an  association  in  which  he  hoped  to 
concentrate — and  succeeded  in  doing  so — the  loyalty  of  his 
class.  We  had  among  us  no  better  embodiment  of  the 
Christian  gentleman,  no  higher  representative  of  the  re- 
publican citizen,  than  he.” 

The  Evening-  Post,  of  the  following  day, 
makes  another  record,  which  is  a similar  trib- 
ute to  the  position  which  the  deceased  held  in 
the  public  estimation: 

“The  Union  League  Club  met  last  night,  to  give  ex- 
pression of  the  sorrow  of  the  members  on  account  of  the 
death  of  Robert  B.  Minturn,  who  was  the  first  president 
of  the  club,  and  also  to  express  their  sense  of  the  public 
loss  in  his  decease.  The  President,  Charles  Butler,  pre- 
sided. In  his  short  address,  he  said  that,  in  contemplat- 
ing the  ever-pleasing  and  noble  features  of  Mr.  Minturn’s 
character,  all  of  us  realize  that  society  has  lost  a valued 
member,  we  the  companionship  of  a genial  friend,  and  his 
family  that  honored  head  which  cannot  be  replaced. 

“ The  following  named  gentlemen  were  appointed  to 


3i8 


APPENDIX. 


report  resolutions,  conveying  the  sense  of  the  club  in  this 
bereavement : William  E.  Dodge,  A.  A.  Low,  George 
Griswold,  Horatio  Allen,  H.  T.  Tuckerman.  The  com- 
mittee having  retired,  returned  in  a few  minutes,  with  the 
following  resolutions,  written  by  H.  T.  Tuckerman,  which 
were  then  read  by  the  president : 

“ Whereas , It  has  pleased  an  all-wise  Providence  to  re- 
move from  his  sphere  of  benign  activity  on  earth  our  re- 
spected fellow-citizen  and  beloved  associate,  Robert  B.  Min- 
turn,  and  whereas,  he  was  one  of  the  earliest  and  most  ef- 
ficient of  the  founders  of  this  club,  and  its  first  president,  as 
well  as  the  personal  and  cherished  friend  of  many  of  its 
members,  therefore, 

“Resolved,  That  we  recall,  with  grateful  satisfaction,  his 
original  co-operation  in  the  national  objects  and  patriotic 
duties  which  this  association  was  formed  to  initiate  and  pro- 
mote. 

“Resolved,  That  while  we  deeply  sympathize  with  his  fam- 
ily in  their  irreparable  bereavement,  and  tender  them  our 
sincere  condolence,  we  mourn  an  honored  and  beloved  as- 
sociate, a generous  and  genial  man,  and  a true  Christian 
gentleman. 

“Resolved,  That  his  judicious  and  unremitted  liberality  in 
the  benevolent  use  of  the  gifts  of  fortune,  and  his  conscien- 
tious discharge  of  responsible  duties,  as  an  officer  of  our 
public  charities,  render  his  example  memorable  and  precious. 

“Resolved,  That  his  uniform  kindliness  and  hospitality  in 
social  intercourse,  his  consistency  in  friendship,  his  integri- 
ty as  a merchant,  his  fidelity  as  a citizen,  his  earnest  relig- 
ious convictions  and  the  daily  beauty  of  his  life,  endear  and 
consecrate  his  memory  to  our  hearts. 

“ Resolved,  That  we  will  attend  his  funeral  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  officers  of  this  club. 

“ Resolved,  That  a copy  of  these  resolutions  be  transmitted 
to  the  family  of  thG  deceased. 


APPENDIX. 


319 


<fIn  proposing  and  seconding  the  adoption  of  the  reso- 
lutions, Messrs.  William  E.  Dodge  and  A.  A.  Low  spoke 
at  considerable  length,  in  glowing  eulogy,  of  the  charac- 
ter of  the  late  Mr.  Minturn,  and  were  followed  by  Dr. 
Osgood,  who  related  many  pleasing  incidents  of  his  good- 
ness of  heart  and  tender  charities. 

u The  Commissioners  of  Emigration  have  adopted  suit- 
able resolutions  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  Mr.  Minturn, 
who  was  one  of  the  first  members  of  that  commission.” 

Of  a modesty  amounting  to  diffidence,  Mr. 
Minturn  could  never  be  placed,  and  not  easily 
spoken  of,  according  to  his  merits,  in  his  life- 
time. But  with  all  his  shyness,  he  was  of 
singular  personal  beauty,  and  with  such  an 
impress  of  high  birth  and  good  breeding  in  his 
features  and  manners,  as  distinguished  him,  at 
first  sight,  for  what  he  was.  He  was  beloved 
by  the  stranger  who  first  saw  him,  as  by  the 
friend  who  had  long  known  him. 

We  are  sure  that  the  beautiful  countenance 
of  Mr.  Minturn  will  be  made  sacred  to  our  re- 
membrance, as  is  George  Washington’s  and 
Washington  Irving’s,  and  others  who  were — 
(besides  being  the  most  gifted  men  of  their 
time) — beloved  by  all  who  knew  them.  The 
“ Union  League  Club  ” will  first  have  the  por- 
traiture of  that  countenance  on  the  most  prom- 


320 


APPENDIX. 


inent  of  their  panels,  and  the  same  face  will 
become,  henceforth,  the  classic  ideal  of  a char- 
acter of  angelic  benevolence  and  dignity. 


From  The  Western  Episcopalian. 

Another  eminent  man  has  fallen.  The 
place  of  one  of  the  most  benevolent  of  mer- 
chants is  vacant,  and  many  eyes  glisten  with 
tears,  and  many  heads  droop  with  sorrow  at 
the  sad  loss  which  the  Christian  and  commer- 
cial interests  of  New  York  city  have  sustained 
in  the  death  of  Robert  B.  Minturn. 

It  was  our  privilege  to  attend  the  usual 
Sunday  morning  services  at  the  church  of  the 
Holy  Communion,  in  this  city,  Jan.  14th  inst., 
and  listen  to  the  sermon  preached  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Muhlenberg  of  that  parish,  on  the 
character  and  eminent  services  which  Mr. 
Minturn  had  rendered  for  the  cause  of  the 
Redeemer’s  kingdom  on  earth. 

We  understood  that  the  sermon  was  to  be 
repeated  in  the  chapel  of  St.  Luke’s  Hospital, 
before  the  managers  and  the  friends  of  the 
deceased,  on  the  following  Sunday,  the  21st 
inst.,  in  the  afternoon.  Accordingly,  we  re- 


APPENDIX. 


321 


paired  there  at  an  early  hour,  because  we 
knew  there  would  be  a great  difficulty  in  ob- 
taining seats.  In  a very  short  time  the  chapel 
was  densely  crowded,  every  portion  being 
occupied  by  an  intelligent  audience,  compris- 
ing the  first  families  of  New  York  City. 

After  the  usual  services  of  our  church,  Dr. 
Muhlenberg  read  an  extract  from  the  pro- 
ceedings of  a meeting  held  by  the  officers  of. 
St.  Luke’s  hospital,  after  the  decease  of  Mr. 
Minturn,  including  a resolution,  requesting 
him  to  prepare  a memorial,  to  be  placed 
among  the  archives  of  the  society — Mr.  Min- 
turn being  the  first  president  of  the  hospital. 
He  then  stated  that  something  had  been  added 
to  that  memorial,  for  the  purpose  of  being 
delivered  before  the  public.  The  Rev.  Doctor 
said,  those  who  expected  an  eloquent  funeral 
panegyric  would  be  disappointed.  1 cannot 
analyze  the  character  or  paint  the  portrait  of 
my  friend,  but  only,  in  an  humble  way,  sketch 
certain  features,  and  call  the  attention  of  my 
hearers  to  certain  characteristics  of  his  life. 
I may,  perhaps,  say  too  much,  or  too  little  ; 
for  it  is  not  possible  to  speak  exactly  right 

upon  the  death  of  a friend  of  twenty  years. 

21 


322 


APPENDIX. 


Robert  B.  Minturn  was  eminently  a happy 
man,  and  I shall  make  this  the  connecting- 
link  of  m}T  discourse.  His  youth  was  sur- 
rounded by  virtuous  influences  and  pious 
examples,  and  he  carried  the  convictiv)  ns  of 
his  boyhood  into  all  the  walks  of  life.  As  a 
merchant  he  was  pre-eminently  successful, 
and  he  was  happy  in  all  his  commercial  rela- 
tions. Never  were  the  flags  of  ships  lowered 
to  half-mast  upon  the  decease  of  one  so  uni- 
versally respected  among  those  with  whom 
he  had  business  transactions,  or  one  so  deeply 
mourned.  The  same  happiness  extended  to 
his  domestic  life.  He  lived  to  see  nearly  all 
his  children  settled,  ahd  occupying  the  same 
social  position  he  filled.  Happiness  is  the 
goal  of  mankind,  and  he  found  it  by  making 
others  happy.  During  his  entire  life  his  cup 
ran  over.  His  sense  of  justice  was  very  acute, 
and  he  also  loved  mercy.  His  benevolence 
was  only  bounded  by  the  necessity  of  the 
case.  It  could  be  better  said  of  him  than  of 
almost  any  one  I have  ever  known,  that  he 
never  permitted  his  left  hand  to  know  what 
his  right  hand  did.  He  gave  freely  and  vol- 
untarily ; not  as  if  he  were  conferring  a favor, 


APPENDIX. 


323 


but  as  if  he  were  receiving  one.  He  seemed 
always  thankful  that- he  had  an  opportunity 
to  give.  Still,  his  charity  was  not  blind.  He 
would  ask  the  minutest  questions,  that  his 
judgment  might  be  satisfied,  as  well  as  his 
heart,  and  for  the  purpose  of  determining 
how  much  it  would  be  best  to  bestow. 
Bishop  Potter  told  me,  while  returning  to- 
gether from  the  funeral,  that,  being  one  day 
at  Mr.  Minturn’s  house  in  the  country,  he 
opened  the  Bible  upon  the  parable  of  the  rich 
man  and  Lazarus,  and  accordingly  read  it. 
Mr.  M.  spoke  of  the  passage  afterward,  and 
said  he  never  thought  of  it  without  terror. 
“ It  is  no  terror/’  said  the  Bishop,  “ for  those 
who  give  according  to  their  means.”  “ Oh  ! ” 
replied  our  brother,  “ who  is  there  among  us 
who  does  more  than  give  crumbs?”  But  if 
his  largeness  were  crumbs,  what  shall  we  say 
of  those,  having  fully  his  means,  who,  robed 
in  purple  and  fine  linen,  fare  sumptuously 
every  day,  and  yet  give  nothing  compara- 
tively ? 

Some  men  who  have  large  means  have  little 
hearts,  and  there  are  others  who  have  great 
hearts,  but  unfortunately  little  means.  His 


324 


APPENDIX. 


wealth  was  large,  and  his  charity  was  bound- 
less. He  used  it  for  tfije  best  purposes,  lived 
long  to  enjoy  it,  and  has  gone  to  his  reward. 
Ripe  in  years,  and  yet  without  the  decay  of 
age,  it  would  be  almost  impossible  for  any  one 
to  pass  more  gracefully  from  life  to  death. 
He  had  spent  the  day  at  his  place  of  business 
in  superintending  the  shipping  of  a lot  of 
clothing,  intended  for  the  freedmen  of  the 
South — a work  in  which  he  had  been  deeply 
interested — and  said  to  his  son,  “ It  is  now 
finished,”  apparently  thankful  that  his  efforts 
had  been  attended  with  so  much  success. 
While  riding  home,  he  was  overtaken  by  a 
lethargy  from  which  he  never  roused.  His 
last  articulation  was  a direction  to  his  friend, 
the  Secretary  of  the  Society,  for  Improving 
the  Condition  of  the  Poor.  Pardon  me, 
spirit  of  my  friend,  if  in  thy  modesty  thou 
shrinkest  from  this  eulogy.  I do  not  say  thou 
wert  without  faults,  but  I cannot  bear  now  to 
recollect,  even  if  I had  the  heart  to  rehearse 
them. 

“When  God  buries  a workman,”  said  Luth- 
er, “ the  work  goes  on,”  God  has  buried 
one  of  his  best  workmen,  but  who  now  shall 


APPENDIX. 


325 


take  his  place  ? He  has  left  behind  him  a 
glorious  example,  and  if  we  may  not  imitate 
it  in  every  respect,  we  may  yet  emulate  his 
virtues,  and  revere  his  memory. 


From  Harper’s  Weekly. 

The  true  treasures  of  a nation  are  its  good 
men,  and  neither  Death  nor  Time  can  steal 
them.  The  man,  indeed,  dies,  but  the  memory 
of  his  character  and  life  survives,  and  is  a per- 
petual inspiration  of  the  noblest  action.  This 
is  so  plain  to  all  of  us  in  the  high  and  clear- 
sighted moments  of  life,  that  every  honourable 
man  would  wish  to  build  his  monument,  like 
that  of  Robert  B.  Minturn,  in  the  unmeasured 
respect  and  tender  love  of  his  friends  and 
neighbours. 

Gentle,  just,  and  generous ; modest,  humane, 
and  sagacious ; honoured  by  the  most  success- 
ful and  prosperous,  beloved  by  the  poorest 
and  most  forgotten  ; his  sense  of  responsibility 
growing  with  increasing  fortune,  until  his  de- 
voted life  was  that  of  an  humble  almoner  of 
the  Divine  bounty — this  was  the  New  York 
merchant,  the  American  gentleman,  the  serene 


326 


APPENDIX. 


Christian,  whose  life  was  a public  blessing,  and 
whose  death  is  a universal  sorrow. 

Wholly  withdrawn  from  what  is  technically 
called  public  life,  and  declining  every  position 
of  merely  personal  advantage,  there  was  no 
citizen  of  New  York  whose  name  was  better 
known,  and  known  only  for  an  ideal  probity 
in  all  business  relations,  and  for  the  most  earn- 
est and  unwearied  practical  humanity.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  commissioners  of  emigra- 
tion, because  he  knew  what  severe  and  often 
repulsive  labour  the  sincere  and  faithful  dis- 
charge of  that  duty  demanded  ; and  therefore 
he  was  not  content  to  give  his  name  and  his 
money  to  the  relief  of  the  suffering  emigrant 
but  he  gave  his  heart  and  hand  also.  Could  the 
long  train  of  the  poor,  who  knew  him  as  their 
friend,  and  who,  when  his  sudden  death  was 
known,  came  weeping  to  ask  permission  to  look 
upon  his  face  once  more — have  known  that, 
once  when  a poor  emigrant  woman  lay  ill  of 
ship-fever  and  neither  nurse  nor  doctor  would 
risk  their  lives  in  lifting  her  for  necessary  re- 
moval from  her  bed  to  a carriage,  he  quietly 
took  her  in  his  arms  and  tenderly  carried  her 
they  would  have  known  only  one  of  the  endless 


APPENDIX.  327 

services  of  his  practical  charity,  from  which  no 
fear  of  his  own  safety  could  deter  him. 

But  his  sensitive  sympathy  did  not  impair 
his  sagacity.  Too  finely  balanced  for  extrava- 
gance in  thought  or  deed,  his  mind  and  heart 
were  in  the  fullest  harmony,  and  his  discharge 
of  every  business  relation  was  as  wise,  unob- 
trusive, and  faithful  as  his  charity.  His  prac- 
tical counsel  was  as  valuable  as  his  impulses 
were  generous,  so  that  all  who  knew  him  well 
and  those  who  but  seldom  met  him  equally 
bore  from  his  presence  an  impression  of  manly 
symmetry  and  completeness. 

The  death  of  such  a man  to  those  who  were 
nearest  to  him  is  a personal  loss  not  to  be 
measured.  But  to  the  community  his  influ- 
ence is  so  vital  and  enduring  that  it  should 
rather  be  grateful  that  he  lived  so  long  than 
grieved  that  he  died  so  soon.  When  Richard 
Cobden  died,  his  political  opponent,  Disraeli, 
said  of  him  that  there  were  “ some  members 
of  Parliament  who,  though  they  may  not  be 
present,  are  still  members  of  this  House,  are 
independent  of  dissolutions,  of  the  caprices  of 
constituencies,  and  even  of  the  course  of 
time.”  It  is  true,  also,  in  a corresponding 


328 


APPENDIX. 


sense,  of  some  men  in  the  larger  sphere  of 
society,  and  of  none  truer  than  of  Robert  B. 
Minturn. 


Another  periodical  says : 

By  the  death  of  Robert  B.  Minturn,  which 
occurred  at  two  o’clock  this  morning,  at  his 
house  in  this  city,  we  have  lost  one  of  the  most 
estimable  and  beneficent  men  in  the  country. 
Mr.  Minturn  was  a man  of  most  amiable  man- 
ners and  of  a benevolence  and  generosity  of  dis- 
position of  which  it  is  difficult  elsewhere  to  find 
an  example.  His  life,  particularly  in  its  later 
years,  was  a series  of  acts  of  charitable  benefac- 
tion. An  ample  fortune  placed  large  means  at  his 
disposal,  and  they  were  employed  in  the  most 
liberal  manner  to  assuage  the  sufferings  of  his 
fellow-creatures.  As  an  example  of  his  bene- 
volence, we  may  mention,  without,  we  hope, 
any  violation  of  the  sanctities  of  private  life, 
that  not  long  since,  when  the  case  of  a well- 
educated  and  otherwise  worthy  man  was  men- 
tioned to  him,  who  had  become  so  addicted  to 
habits  of  intemperance  as  to  bring  his  excel 
lent  family  to  poverty,  he  immediately  offered, 


APPENDIX. 


329 


though  he  had  no  previous  knowledge  of  the 
individual,  that  if  he  could  be  sent  for  a cure 
to  the  Asylum  for  Inebriates  at  Binghamton, 
the  expense  of  supporting  him  there  should  be 
at  his  charge.  He  was  one  of  the  trustees  of 
St.  Luke’s  Hospital,  and  visiting  it  not  long 
since  and  observing  the  good  order,  cleanli- 
ness and  admirable  arrangements  of  the  de- 
partment for  the  care  of  incurable  children,  he 
immediately  made  a munificent  donation  for 
the  purpose  of  enlarging  the  accommodations 
of  that  class  of  patients.  One  of  the  objects 
of  charity  which  of  late  occupied  his  attention 
was  the  case  of  the  free  blacks  at  the  South, 
He  contributed  largely  in  aid  of  the  Freed- 
men’s  Relief  Association,  and  was  engaged  in 
representing  the  claims  of  the  freedmen  upon 
the  liberality  of  his  opulent  friends  just  before 
his  decease.  These  are  but  samples  of  the 
acts  of  his  daily  life.  It  will  be  long  before 
the  community  will  see  the  same  extent  of 
means  united  with  such  unwearied  and  habit- 
ual beneficence  in  their  distribution.  Mr.  Min- 
turn  for  some  years  past  had  been  aware  that 
there  was  an  irregular  action  of  the  organs  of 
circulation,  and  a disease  of  the  heart  was  ap- 


APPENDIX. 


330 

prehended,  to  which  his  sudden  death  was 
probably  owing.  He  seemed,  however,  of 
late,  by  travel  and  exercise  and  a judicious 
manner  of  living,  to  have  very  considerably 
improved  his  health,  and  it  was  hoped  by  his 
friends  that  many  years  of  usefulness  were 
still  before  him. 


From  a German  Newspaper. 

3n  9?cto4)orf  ftarb  am  9. 3tonuar  Robert  53. 
turn,  enter  ber  angefel)cnften  53iirger  biefer  ©tabt,  bef> 
fen  Sob  bort  umfomeijr  aHgentein  betrauert  mirb,  at§  er 
in  bent  fid)  felbft  aufedegten  53erufe  fur  ba3  ber 

leibenben  unb  l)itf3beburftigen  ^jZenfc^f^eit  53ermbgen, 
JJeit  unb  ©efunbfyeit  etngufe^en  gemofynt  mar.  Robert 
^3.  90?  i nt  n r n mar  Jhafibent  unb  9D?itglieb  Dieter  pl)b 
tantropifcfyen  5$ereine,  nnter  anberen  and)  jene$,  metdjer 
fid)  bie  ©orge  fixr  fjilftofe  unb  t'rante  5lu3manberer  angcte* 
gen  fctn  tiefh  £>bmot  fern  9?ame  l)ier  unbef'annt  ift,  fo 
mag  feine  SBorfe,  fetrt  ©eift  unb  felbft  fetn  5trm  mandjem 
$inbe  £)efterreid)§,  ba3  Dertaffen  an  ben  fernen  Ufent 
5tnterif'a3  tanbete,  §ilfe  unb  Sroftung  gebrad)t  unb  fid) 
be3  SanfcS  ber  greunbe  unb  53ermanbten  biefer  5lu8man= 
berer  mitrbig  gemadjt  J)aben." 


Translation. 

Died. — In  New  York,  on  the  9th  January, 
Robert  B.  Minturn,  one  of  the  most  respected 
citizens  of  that  city,  whose  death  is  so  much 
the  more  generally  lamented  there,  as  in  his 


APPENDIX. 


331 


self-imposed  efforts  for  the  welfare  of  suffering 
humanity,  he  was  accustomed  to  sacrifice  his 
property,  time  and  health.  Robert  B.  Min- 
turn  was  President  and  member  of  many 
philanthropic  societies,  among  others  of  the 
one  for  the  aid  of  helpless  and  sick  emigrants. 
Although  his  name  is  unknown  here,  still  his 
purse,  his  mind,  and  even  his  arm,  may  have 
brought  help  and  consolation  to  many  a child 
of  Austria,  landed  unprotected  on  the  far-off 
shore  of  America,  and  thus  deserved  the  grat- 
itude of  the  friends  and  relatives  of  these  em- 
igrants. 


The  various  Societies  and  Public  Boards, 
with  which  Mr  Minturn  had  been  connected, 
drew  up  resolutions  of  respect,  with  letters 
of  condolence,  and  sent  them  to  the  family  : 

At  a special  meeting- of  the  Rector,  War- 
dens and  Vestrymen  of  Zion  Church,  Green- 
burg,  Westchester  County,  held  January  12th, 
1866,  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions, 
offered  by  Mr.  Edwin  Croswell,  were  unani- 
mously adopted. 

The  Rector,  Wardens,  and  Vestrymen  of 


332 


APPENDIX, 


Zion  church,  having  heard  with  profound  re- 
gret the  sad  intelligence  of  the  death  ot 
Robert  B.  Minturn,  Esq. : 

Resolved , That  in  the  withdrawal  from  the  scenes  of  life  of 
one  of  such  eminence  in  all  good  works,  from  large  pur- 
suits, from  liberal  deeds  of  charity,  from  beneficent  aims, 
from  the  Church  in  all  its  manifestations  of  goodness  and 
duty  to  God  and  man,  from  enlightened  efforts  to  relieve 
and  elevate  the  temporal  condition  and  promote  the  eternal 
welfare  of  his  fellow-men — while  we  bow  with  submission 
to  the  righteous  dispensations  of  an  All-wise  Providence, 
we  deplore  the  loss  which  such  an  event  brings  to  the  Church 
and  to  a wide  community,  in  which  his  virtues  are  as  house- 
hold words,  his  character  revered,  and  his  example  a pre- 
cious heritage. 

Resolved,  That  we  cherish  the  remembrance  of  his  virtues 
and  graces  in  all  the  relations,  as  well  of  domestic  as  of 
outward  life — the  accomplished  gentleman,  the  consistent 
Christian,  the  faithful  Churchman,  the  devoted  patriot  — 
prominent  in  station,  but  just,  urbane  and  liberal  in  spirit, 
and  kind  and  gentle  in  manner — qualities  which  won  the 
esteem  and  commanded  the  respect  of  all  men. 

Resolved,  That  this  church  and  parish,  the  object  of  his 
fraternal  care  and  solicitude,  in  which  for  many  years  he 
has  been  a devout  worshipper  and  efficient  member  of  this 
Vestry,  feel  particularly  the  magnitude  of  their  deprivation  ; 
and  in  this  spirit  we  tender  to  his  afflicted  family  our  heart- 
felt sympathy  in  their  great  sorrow — not  as  to  those  “ who 
sorrow  without  hope for  of  no  one  can  the  assurance  be 
more  reasonably  indulged,  that  his  departure  from  this  life 
was  the  translation  to  a brighter  sphere — even  a heavenly — 
and  that  he  died  “ having  the  testimony  of  a good  con- 
science, in  the  Communion  of  the  Catholic  Church,  in  the 
confidence  of  a certain  faith,  in  the  comfort  of  a reasonable, 
religious  and  holy  hope,  in  favor  with  God,- and  in  perfect 
charity  with  the  world.” 


APPENDIX. 


333 


Resolved, , That,  as  a token  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  our 
deceased  brother,  the  Rector,  Wardens  and  Vestrymen  will 
attend  the  funeral  in  a body,  and  that  the  church  be  draped 
for  thirty  days  with  the  emblems  of  mourning. 

Resolved , That  a copy  of  these  proceedings  be  transmitted 
to  the  family  of  the  deceased,  and  be  published. 

George  B.  Reese,  Rector. 

Lewis  Many,  Clerk. 


Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the  State  of  New 
York,  Instituted  a.d.  1768. 

New  York,  January  z^th,  1866. 

Sir, — It  is  my  duty,  in  accordance  with  the 
instructions  of  this  Chamber,  to  transmit  to 
you,  as  the  representative  of  your  family,  the 
enclosed  engrossed  copy  of  resolutions  unani- 
mously adopted  by  it  on  occasion  of  the  death 
of  your  lamented  father,  Robert  B.  Minturn, 
Esq. 

To  these  expressions  of  respect  and  attach- 
ment to  the  memory  of  your  father,  and  of 
sympathy  for  his  family  in  their  heavy  be- 
reavement, permit  me  to  add  my  own. 

I am,  sir,  with  respect,  your  most  obedient 
servant, 

John  Austin  Stevens,  Jr., 

Robert  B.  Minturn,  Esq.  Secretary . 


334 


APPENDIX. 


At  a meeting  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the 
State  of  New  York,  held  January  12,  1866,  the  Presi- 
dent announced  the  lamented  death  of  Mr.  Robert  B. 
Minturn,  one  of  the  most  honored  members  of  the 
Chamber;  and  Mr.  Benjamin  H.  Field,  on  the  part  of 
a Committee,  submitted  the  following  resolutions,  which 
were  unanimously  adopted  : 

Resolved , That,  in  the  death  of  Robert  B.  Minturn,  not  only 
the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  but  the  whole  community,  of 
which  he  was  so  conspicuous  an  ornament,  has  met  with  an 
irreparable  loss. 

Resolved , That,  as  a merchant,  Mr.  Minturn  was  pre-emi- 
nently distinguished  for  his  probity,  intelligence,  and  liber- 
ality, no  less  than  by  his  activity  in  every  measure  tending 
to  promote  the  welfare  and  elevate  the  character  of  his  call- 
ing— the  whole  adorned  by  the  spotless  purity  of  his  private 
life.  Liberally  endowed  by  nature,  strengthened  by  early 
and  careful  training,  and  constant  moral  and  religious  cul- 
ture, he  was  admirably  fitted  to  fill  the  many  responsible 
offices  of  trust  committed  to  him  by  his  fellow-citizens; 
uniformly  characterized  by  kind  and  genial  manners,  and 
prominent  in  every  work  of  public  benevolence,  he  was  still 
better  known  by  the  daily  beauty  of  his  private  charities. 
With  sympathies  warmly  enlisted  in  the  cause  of  his  coun- 
try, his  loyalty  was  crowned  by  a Christian  piety,  ever  active 
in  the  service  of  his  Divine  Master. 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  to  the  family  of  our  lamented 
friend  our  profound  sympathies  in  this  their  hour  of  bereave- 
ment, and  that  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  will  attend  his 
funeral  in  a body, 

Resolved,  That  a copy  of  these  resolutions,  duly  authenti- 
cated, be  sefit  to  the  family  of  Mr.  Minturn. 


APPENDIX. 


335 


National  Bank  of  Commerce  in  New  York. 

January  \oth , 1866. 

Mr.  Robert  B.  Minturn. 

Dear  Sir, — We  have  a sad  yet  grateful  of- 
fice to  perform,  in  transmitting  to  you,  and 
through  you  to  Mrs.  Minturn,  and  to  the 
other  members  of  the  family,  an  extract  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  Directors  of  the  National 
Bank  of  Commerce,  in  New  York,  this  day. 
We  trust  this  heartfelt  and  unanimous  testimo- 
ny to  the  elevated  character  and  many  admir- 
able qualities  of  the  deceased,  may  not  be  with- 
out its  value  to  his  family.  A rare  combination 
of  mental  qualities  and  virtues  constituted  him 
a citizen  of  great  usefulness,  a Christian  with 
no  apparent  guile  or  blemish,  and  a friend  al- 
ways true  and  unselfish. 

With  acute  feelings  that  we  also  have  sus- 
tained a great  personal  loss,  we  are  very  re- 
spectfully your  obedient  servants, 

Jno.  A.  Stevens,  Prest. 
Henry  F.  Vail,  Cashier . 


336 


APPENDIX. 


Extract  from  the  Proceedings  of  the  Board  of  Directors 
of  the  National  Bank  of  Commerce  in  New  York,  at  a 
special  meeting  held  Wednesday  loth  January,  1866. 

“ With  emotions  of  sorrow  of  no  ordinary- 
force,  the  Board  of  Directors  record  the  death 
of  their  late  colleague,  Robert  B.  Minturn, 
who  died  at  about  two  o’clock,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  January  9th,  after  a very  brief  illness. 

“ Mr.  Minturn  was  one  of  the  original  cor- 
porators and  directors  of  the  Bank  of  Com- 
* merce  in  New  York,  and  continued  to  hold 
the  office  of  director  to  the  time  of  his  decease, 
a period  of  over  twenty-five  years.  He  was 
ever  the  able  and  faithful  director,  the  careful 
guardian  of  the  important  interests  under  the 
management  of  the  Board,  and  conscientious 
trustee  of  the  stockholders  of  the  institution. 

“ His  associates  retain  with  sincere  gratifi- 
cation the  memory  of  an  unbroken  intercourse, 
marked  by  confidence,  respect  and  regard ; 
and  they  would  briefly  place  on  the  minutes 
of  the  Board  their  estimate  of  the  many  vir- 
tues and  striking  character  of  their  departed 
friend. 

“ As  a merchant,  Mr.  Minturn  was  intelli- 
gent, enterprising  and  successful.  Honor, 


APPENDIX.  337 

truth,  justice,  and  spotless  integrity  constantly 
ruled  his  business  career. 

“ As  a member  of  society,  he  was  ever  de- 
servedly esteemed  and  honored  for  his  court- 
esy, earnestness  and  usefulness.  The  aim  of 
his  life  was  to  do  good.  His  labours  to  this 
end  were  unwearied  and  wisely  bestowed. 
His  own  highest  enjoyment  was  reflected  from 
the  happiness  he  bestowed  on  others. 

“ But  in  the  domestic  circle,  the  centre  of 
pure  enjoyment,  his  virtues  shone  with  the 
highest  lustre.  His  life  was  illustrated  and 
adorned  by  his  duties,  as  a son  tenderly  min- 
istering to  the  declining  years  of  a beloved  par- 
ent, as  a brother  exhibiting  uniform  fraternal 
attention  and  regard,  as  a husband  full  of  de- 
votion to  the  claims  of  this  sacred  relation, 
and  as  a father  ever  seeking  to  present  to  his 
children  wise  counsels  and  just  examples. 

“ These  principles  of  morality  and  religion 
moulded  his  whole  life,  and  completed  a char- 
acter worthy  of  being  admired  and  imitated. 

“ The  Directors  offer  to  the  family  of  their 
deceased  friend  the  expression  of  their  sincere 
condolence  and  sympathy,  because  of  this 

sudden  and  mournful  bereavement.  And  yet 
22 


338 


APPENDIX. 


they  would  point  to  the  bright  Christian  faith, 
the  well  grounded  hope,  the  completed  work 
of  him  who  ceases  to  cheer  and  guide  them, 
as  causes  of  gratitude  which,  by  the  aid  of 
time,  will  bring  their  true  consolation.’' 


The  Associate  Managers  of  St.  Luke’s 
Home  wish  to  offer  their  respectful  sympathy 
to  Mrs.  Minturn  and  family  in  their  bereave- 
ment, which  has  deprived  that  institution,  in 
common  with  ail  the  other  charities  of  this 
great  city,  of  a generous  benefactor. 

The  widow,  the  orphan,  the  sick,  the  out- 
cast, bless  the  memory  of  him  whose  heart  did 
ever  beat  responsive  to  their  cry  ; whose  hand 
was  ever  ready  to  relieve  distress. 

By  order, 

February  gth,  1866.  Ellen  Kemble,  Secretary. 


Mrs.  Minturn: 

Dear  Madam , — The  Managers  of  the  Wilson 
Industrial  School  beg  leave  to  offer  you  their 
deepest  sympathy  and  to  mingle  their  grief 
with  that  of  the  multitude  who  mourn  the 
death  of  your  late  husband.  They  well  know 


APPENDIX. 


339 


with  what  good  cause  hundreds  of  needy  ones 
will  miss  his  kindly  smile,  and  his  bounty,  and 
that  in  him  they  themselves  have  lost  a faith- 
ful friend. 

The  record  of  his  last  hours  of  activity  tells 
the  story  of  his  whole  life,  a life  devoted  to 
God  and  his  neighbour. 

When  at  the  last  day,  he  shall  hear  the  wel- 
come words,  “ Come  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,” 
he  shall  also  hear  the  deep  Amens  of  the  many 
whose  lives  have  been  made  brighter  and  bet- 
ter by  his  love  and  good  example. 

With  sincere  respect, 

Margaret  Tomey,  Cor . Secretary. 
Columbia  College,  January  26th , 1866. 


Extract  of  letter  from  the  Merchant  Banking 
Company  of  London  (limited),  dated 

February  10  thy  1866. 

“ We  have  received  your  circular  of  18th 
January,  announcing  the  death  of  your  senior, 
Mr.  R.  B.  Minturn,  of  which  we  heard  with 
sincere  regret,  and  we  beg  to  express  our 
sympathy  with  his  family  and  partner,  under 


340 


APPENDIX. 


the  loss.  The  respect  with  which  he  was  re- 
garded in  our  mercantile  community  was  only 
so  far  less  general  than  in  your  own,  that  he 
was  less  generally  known  here,  but,  even  in  this 
city,  the  intelligence  has  been  received  with 
pain  by  a very  wide  circle,  and  by  none  more 
so  than  by  those  in  this  establishment,  who 
had  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaintance.” 


The  Association  for  Improving  the  Condition 
of  the  Poor. 

Minute  on  the  Death  of  Mr.  Robert  B.  Minturn. 

This  being  the  first  meeting  of  the  Board  of 
Managers  since  the  decease  of  our  lamented 
associate  and  Treasurer,  Robert  B.  Minturn , 
who  died  about  two  o’clock  on  the  morning 
of  January  9th,  after  a very  brief  illness,  the 
Board  on  the  present  occasion  would  record 
the  sorrowful  event  and  express  its  sense  of 
the  loss  this  institution  and  the  community 
have  thereby  sustained. 

Mr . Minturn  was  one  of  the  earliest  and 
most  active  projectors  of  this  Association. 
He  engaged  in  the  enterprise  with  all  the 
disinterested  earnestness  of  his  noble  nature. 


APPENDIX. 


341 


The  preliminary  meetings  for  consultation 
were  convened  at  his  residence.  He  became 
its  Treasurer,  and  through  a period  of  nearly 
a quarter  of  a century,  continued  to  discharge 
its  duties  until  his  death.  He  was  ever  the 
faithful  guardian  of  the  trust  reposed  in  him, 
a sagacious  counsellor,  and  an  efficient  and 
conscientious  executive  officer.  His  deep 
sympathy  with  the  objects  of  the  Association 
was  an  inspiration  to  others,  which  tended  to 
augment  its  influence,  and  to  promote  its  use- 
fulness. 

As  a Friend  he  knew  no  guile.  He  was 
ardent  in  his  attachments,  courteous  in  de- 
meanour, and  genial  in  his  social  relations. 
He  often  surprised  those  who  best  knew  him 
by  unobtrusive  acts  of  considerate  kindness. 
His  friendship  was  long-suffering  and  not 
easy  provoked.  It  disposed  him  to  throw  the 
mantle  of  charity  over  human  imperfection, 
and  to  seek  palliatives  for  conduct  his  judg- 
ment disproved.  His  sympathy  was  sincere. 
It  was  the  out-swelling  of  a heart  of  manly 
tenderness,  which  rejoiced  in  the  joy  of  others, 
and  shared  in  their  sorrow  for  its  alleviation. 

As  a Citizen  he  declined  every  position  that 


342 


APPENDIX. 


merely  tended  to  his  personal  honour  or  ad- 
vantage, yet  he  never  shrank  from  any  claims, 
however  exacting,  that  were  demanded  by 
duty  or  humanity.  So  marked  and  individual- 
ized was  his  character  for  probity  and  liberal- 
ity that  his  identification  with  plans  of  benev- 
olence was  their  passport  to  public  confi- 
dence. In  all  his  public  and  private  relations, 
he  realized  with  vivid  distinctness  a deep  sense 
of  divine  accountability,  and  so  discharged  his 
duties  as  to  present  an  example  worthy  of 
universal  imitation. 

As  a Philanthropist , in  the  proper  sense  of 
that  term,  he  was  without  knowing  or  profess- 
ing it,  a model  man.  He  loved  his  fellow- 
men,  and  evinced  his  sincerity  by  unremitted 
efforts  to  do  them  good.  Yet  such  was  the 
symmetry  of  his  finely  - balanced  character, 
that  he  was  never  blinded  by  sympathy  as  to 
increase  the  evils  he  would  remove.  He  was 
not  a man  of  one  idea,  whose  benevolence  ran 
in  one  channel.  His  characteristic  was  unity 
in  adversity,  so  that  his  ministries  of  mercy 
were  diffusive  like  the  rain  and  sunlight. 
While  engaged  in  the  larger  enterprises  of 
benevolence,  he  was  not  less  attentive  to  the 


APPENDIX. 


343 


wants  of  the  humblest  and  poorest.  He  was 
ever  a centre  of  beneficent  influences.  He 
gave  kindly,  freely,  and  unostentatiously — in 
the  spirit  of  the  divine  maxim,  “ Let  not  thy 
left  hand  know  what  thy  right  hand  doeth.” 
He  was  not  only  one  of  the  first  founders  of 
this  Charity,  but  also  of  the  Commission  for 
the  Relief  of  Emigrants ; he  was  among  the 
first  to  suggest  and  to  erect  improved  dwel- 
lings for  the  poor,  and  to  establish  a new 
hospital,  with  peculiar  adaptations ; he  was 
the  friend  and  patron  of  the  Society  for  the 
Relief  of  the  Deformed  and  Crippled,  and  the 
munificent  donor  of  numerous  other  charitable 
organizations.  Whatever,  indeed,  tended  to 
the  advancement  of  the  physical,  social,  moral 
and  religious  interests  of  his  fellow-men,  found 
in  the  liberality  and  co-operation  of  our  de- 
parted friend,  encouragement  and  aid. 

As  a Christian , he  adorned  his  profession. 
He  was  devout,  humble  and  hopeful.  His 
deep  religious  sentiment  brought  all  the  qual- 
ities of  his  nature  into  beautiful  harmony,  and 
shed  a soft  and  cheerful  light  over  his  whole 
character.  His  faith,  operative  and  influential, 
passed  beyond  the  mysterious  boundaries  of 


344 


APPENDIX. 


mortal  life,  to  its  eternal  awards.  And  such, 
imperfectly  presented,  was  our  late  friend  and 
associate.  Need  it  be  said  that  his  end  befitted 
the  close  of  such  a life  ? His  departure  was  a 
sudden  translation,  while  his  last  tremulous 
utterances  were  breathings  of  love  and  good 
will  to  his  fellow-men. 

The  Board  of  Managers , in  presenting  this 
testimonial  of  regard  for  the  deceased,  would 
offer  to  the  bereaved  family,  their  sincere  con- 
dolence and  sympathy. 

Signed  in  behalf  of  the  Association, 

James  Brown,  President 
R.  M.  Hartley,  Secretary. 

[Seal.] 

New  York,  February , 12 th,  1866. 


At  a Special  Meeting  of  the  New  York  Historical  So- 
ciety, held  in  its  Hall,  on  Tuesday  evening,  January 
23d,  1866. 

Mr.  Benjamin  R.  Winthrop,  the  second  Vice 
President,  after  some  remarks,  announced  the 
death  of  Robert  B.  Minturn,  late  a Life  Mem- 
ber of  the  Society,  and  submitted  the  follow- 


APPENDIX. 


345 


ing  preamble  and  resolutions,  which  were 
adopted  unanimously : 

In  the  death  of  Robert  B.  Minturn,  this 
community  has  to  mourn  the  loss  of  one  who 
was  an  honor  to  human  nature.  It  has  rarely 
fallen  to  the  lot  of  any  man#to  establish,  in  the 
public  mind  of  all  countries  that  knew  him,  a 
character  so  pure,  just,  and  true ; so  kind,  gen- 
erous, and  considerate ; so  eminently  worthy 
to  be  regarded  as  that  of  a Christian  gentle- 
man. It  is  fitting  that  the  record  of  such  a 
loss  should  be  accompanied  by  an  expression 
of  the  sentiments  it  awakens  in  the  minds  of 
those  who  share  in  the  bereavement.  Be  it 
therefore 

Resolved , That  the  announcement  of  the 
death  of  our  esteemed  and  honored  associate, 
Robert  B.  Minturn,  falls  upon  us  with  the 
weight  of  an  unexpected  calamity ; that,  in 
common  with  the  whole  community,  we  la- 
ment the  close  of  a life  of  unceasing  useful- 
ness, illustrated  by  deeds  of  benevolence, 
brightened  by  the  principles  of  patriotism, 
and  elevated  by  the  habitual  practice  of  the 
virtues  which  adorn  the  human  character. 

Resolved , That  the  withdrawal  of  Mr.  Min- 


346 


APPENDIX. 


turn  from  the  pursuits  of  commerce  and  the 
walks  of  benevolence,  will  create  a void  not 
easily  to  be  filled,  and  that  his  unsullied  ca- 
reer as  a merchant,  and  the  munificence  of  his 
charities,  will  leave  a lustre  on  his  memory 
which  will  brighten  throughout  the  coming 
years. 

Resolved , That  this  Society  desires  to  make 
known  to  the  family  of  their  deceased  asso- 
ciate the  sentiments  it  entertains  in  regard  to 
his  memory,  and  the  sincere  sympathy  it  feels 
in  their  bereavement. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  take  order  for 
the  transmission  of  these  proceedings  to  the 
family  of  the  late  Mr.  Minturn. 

Extract  from  the  minutes, 

Andrew  Warner, 

Recording  Secretary . 


At  a Special  Meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  St. 
Luke’s  Hospital,  called  in  reference  to  the  death  of 
their  late  president,  Robert  B.  Minturn,  and  held  on 
the  evening  of  Friday,  12th  January,  1866. 

The  following  record  was  ordered  to  be 
entered  on  the  minutes : 

“ It  would  be  a duty  upon  the  part  of  the 


APPENDIX. 


347 


Board  of  Managers  of  St.  Luke’s  Hospital  to 
commemorate,  by  a respectful  record,  the 
loss  of  any  one  who  had  filled  the  position  of 
its  presiding  officer,  from  its  origin,  fifteen 
years  ago,  when  it  was  in  its  infancy  and 
weakness,  until  now  when  in  its  maturity  and 
strength.  But  what  would  devolve  upon  us 
as  a duty  in  almost  any  other  case,  is  in  that 
of  Robert  B.  Minturn,  not  merely  a duty,  but 
the  privilege  of  gratitude  and  love.  He  was 
the  chief  aid  of  the  venerable  and  reverend 
founder  of  the  Hospital  in  procuring  the  land 
upon  which  it  is  built,  and  in  obtaining  the 
means  for  its  erection,  contributing  liberally 
from  his  own  means,  and  most  influential  in 
securing  the  aid  of  others.  From  that  early 
period  of  the  Hospital’s  existence  to  the  time 
of  his  death,  whether  in  sickness  or  in  health, 
whether  present  or  absent  in  the  pursuit  of 
health,  his  interest  in  its  success  — his  exer- 
tions for  its  welfare  — never  failed,  never 
flagged.  In  other  institutions  for  the  welfare 
of  his  fellow-man  he  was  equally  active  and 
efficient.  His  beneficence  to  individuals  was 
bounded  only  by  his  knowledge  of  their 
wants.  Most  of  such  acts  were  known  only 


348 


APPENDIX. 


!.o  the  recipients  and  himself,  and  to  Him 
whose  Spirit  guided  him ; but  to  mention 
even  those  known  would  far  exceed  the  limits 
of  this  record. 

“ The  intelligence  of  the  death  of  no  other 
private  citizen  could  have  fallen  with  such 
sadness  upon  a whole  community.  Taking  his 
whole  character  together,  and  in  all  its  parts 
— regarding  its  exceeding  gentleness,  and 
its  great  strength — his  loss  to  us  is  irrepara- 
ble. His  mantle  can  fall  upon  no  successor. 

“ While  mourning  his  loss,  though  we  can- 
not imitate,  let  us  humbly  endeavor  to  profit 
by  his  example. 

“ It  was  further  ordered  that  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Muhlenberg  be  requested  to  prepare  a Me- 
morial of  their  late  President,  to  be  preserved 
among  the  records  of  the  Society,  and  that 
the  Board  procure  a portrait,*  to  be  placed 
on  the  walls  of  the  Hospital.” 

I certify  the  above  to  be  a true  extract  from 
the  minutes. 

T.  W.  Ogden, 
Secretary  St.  Luke's  Hospital. 

* This  portrait  was  faithfully  and  beautifully  executed  by 
Daniel  Huntington,  Esq. 


APPENDIX. 


349 


Office  of  the  Commissioners  of  Emigration,  ) 
New  York,  January  12th,  1866.  ) 

Mrs.  Robert  B.  Minturn: 

Madam, — Herewith  I have  the  honor  to 
transmit  you  a copy  of  Resolutions,  adopted 
by  the  Board  of  Commissioners  of  Emigration 
at  their  last  regular  meeting  in  reference  to 
the  death  of  Robert  B.  Minturn. 

Very  respectfully, 

Bernard  Casserly,  Secretary. 


At  a regular  meeting  of  the  Commissioners  of  Emigration, 
held  at  the  office  of  Cyrus  Curtiss,  Esq.,  No.  98  Broad- 
way, on  Wednesday,  the  10th  inst.,  Gulian  C.  Ver- 
planck,  Esq.,  President,  in  the  Chair,  and  a quorum 
being  present,  the  following  resolutions  were  unani- 
mously adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Commissioners  of  Emi- 
gration have  learned  with  unfeigned  sorrow 
the  death  of  their  former  associate,  Robert  B. 
Minturn. 

Resolved,  That  in  Robert  B.  Minturn,  one 
of  the  founders,  and  a member  of  the  Com- 
mission at  its  organization,  they  mourn  the 
loss  of  one  endeared  to  them  by  a common 
struggle  against  the  difficulties  amid  which 


350 


APPENDIX. 


this  Commission  was  organized,  and  which 
his  weight  of  character  and  personal  virtues 
contributed  in  an  eminent  degree  to  over- 
come. 

Resolved , That  in  his  death  they  lament,  with 
the  entire  community,  the  unfailing  kindness 
and  practical  benevolence  which,  in  his  sphere 
of  action,  he  ever  displayed,  and  which  none 
can  better  appreciate,  or  will  more  keenly 
miss,  than  the  poor  he  so  often  befriended. 

Resolved , That  they  tender  their  sincere 
condolence  to  the  family  of  the  deceased. 

Resolved , That  the  Commissioners  will  at- 
tend the  funeral  in  a body. 

Resolved , That  a copy  of  these  resolutions 
be  presented  to  the  family  of  the  deceased, 
and  published  in  the  daily  papers. 

A true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

Bernard  Casserly,  Secretary. 


American  Geographical  and  Statistical  Society, 
New  York,  January  18th,  1866. 

At  a meeting  of  the  Society,  held  this  evening,  Archi- 
bald Russell,  Esq., Vice  President,  in  the  Chair  : 

The  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  meet- 


APPENDIX. 


351 


ing  of  the  Society,  to  draft  suitable  expres- 
sions of  regret  at  the  loss  of  the  late  Robert 
B.  Minturn, 

Report , — The  recent  sudden  death  of  Robert 
Bowne  Minturn  has  saddened  us  all.  We 
mourn  him  almost  as  a brother.  Few  men  had 
such  a hold  upon  the  hearts  of  his  people  as 
Mr.  Minturn.  In  his  own  particular  sphere  of 
life,  in  Trade  and  Commerce,  he  shone  with 
eminent  lustre.  A successful  merchant,  of 
world-wide  fame,  his^  ever  courteous  demeanor 
to  his  brother  merchants,  and  to  all  men,  en- 
titled him  to  the  claim  of  “ Champion  of  the 
Amenities  of  Social  Intercourse  his  exalted 
commercial  character  lent  a lustre  to  the 
American  name. 

This  Society  cordially  unites  with  other 
kindred  Associations  in  tribute  of  respect  to 
his  memory. 

Therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That,  with  legitimate  pride,  the 
American  Geographical  and  Statistical  Soci- 
ety claimed  the  late  Mr.  Robert  B.  Minturn 
as  one  of  our  associates ; that  we  recognized 
in  him  an  early  and  constant  member  of  our 
Society,  a liberal  patron  of  science,  a patriotic 


352 


APPENDIX. 


citizen  of  the  State,  a helping  friend,  an  hon- 
est man. 

And  be  it  further 

Resolved , That  with  equally  legitimate  grief, 
this  Society  regrets  his  loss  as  a fellow-mem- 
ber, as  a fellow-citizen,  and  as  a fellow-man, 
and  we  hereby  convey  to  the  bereaved  family 
and  friends  of  the  deceased,  our  sincere  sym- 
pathy and  condolence. 

And  be  it  further 

Resolved , That  these  proceedings  be  entered 
upon  the  minutes  of  the  Society,  and  that  a 
copy  be  conveyed  to  the  family  of  the  de- 
ceased. Respectfully  submitted, 

Signed, 

J.  W.  Richards, 

Wm.  Coventry  H.  Waddell, 
Wm.  Remsen, 

Committee . 

I certify  this  to  be  a true  extract  from  the 
records  of  the  Society.  Witness  the  seal  of 
the  Society  this  18th  day  of  January,  1866. 

[SEAL] 

Wm.  Coventry  H.  Waddell, 

Recording  Secretary . 


APPENDIX. 


353 


A patent  of  arms  was  granted  to  John  Min- 
turn  of  Newland,  in  1581.  There  .were  six 
John  Minturns  in  direct  descent.  Wm.  Min- 
turn  and  John  Minturn,  Gents,  were  appoint- 
ed to  the  office  of  woodmen  and  custos  of  all 
the  woods  in  Devon,  Eliz.  37. 

In  the  south  aisle  of  the  church  at  Bals- 
combe,  which  aisle  belonged  to  the  Minturns 
of  Newland,  under  a window  on  a stone,  is 
“ Here  lieth  the  body  of  J.  Minturn,  Gent., 
who  deceased  the  last  of  September,  1592.” 

John  Minturn,  the  last  of  the  family,  died 
without  a son  in  1705,  having  only  one  daugh- 
ter and  heiress,  who  married  Henry  C apcott. 


‘ 


* 


A 


A 


mm: 


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